2019 NASA SLI Thread

Even though NDRT did not get to launch on Saturday we all managed to have a good time. So some of the more humorous moments for the Notre Dame team:

- On Thursday for lunch at the Happy Cow just a 5 minute walk from the convention center about 10 team members met up with a flat-earther and had a rather lengthy discussion. Thankfully, I missed the majorty of the conversation since I would likely have said something rather regrettable.
- Since we had no rocket to launch on Saturday, there was no rush to get to the field. One of the groups of students arrived rather late. The first thing the navigator said after arriving was, "apparently, there is a Bragg Farm in Vermont."
- "I am a MENTOR. Not a chaperone."
- "I dare you to ask him if NASA is going to fake the next moon landing like the first one."

Other interesting moments for me:

- Sat with Judy Lubin on the bus for the Marshall tours so it's always nice to share stories about rocketry with a fellow flier...
- Seeing the SLS Center Core tank in the test stand.
- Launch day is always fun.
- Realizing that the last four NDRT captains that I've mentored are now working on the SLS at Boeing. One of them made a point of telling me his experience on the NDRT helped in getting him his current job. So I guess I need to make a trip to the Cape when they fly that thing in 2020.
- One of the students from the first team I mentored showed up at the launch and IS MARRIED AND NOW HAS A KID. I am old. Sheez.

A person who really impressed me with his generosity was Homer Hickam. He stood right where all the students could find him, posed with them, and made himself accessible at the Rocket Fair and at the launch. What a kind person.

He was at the rocket fair??? Daggumit I missed Homer Hickam!!! I've met him before and everything Steve says is absolutely true.

DAllen said:

He was at the rocket fair??? Daggumit I missed Homer Hickam!!! I've met him before and everything Steve says is absolutely true.

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Yeah, he was at both the fair and at the launch at Bragg Farm. Funny, I’ve never introduced myself to him. I feel awkward or shy doing things like that.

Homer Hickam is originally from West Virginia. Amazing story about how he made it from a humble coal mining town that is about 30-45 minutes form where I grew up.

The thing that continually amazes me is that despite his rise from rages to riches (per say), he is humble to the end. He is a great guy and loves to help motivate and teach others. He is a true asset to the rocket community.