Today was our final mission. This time I was assigned to the International Space Station as a Mission Specialist. This meant to got to do an EVA (space walk). While in the station, the other specialist and I did experiments as well as flipped lots of switches when the time came. When it came time for us to leave for our EVA, we were informed that the Space Station had been "on fire" for the last 20 minutes but the Station Commander had not realized it. Now - I had baked a mock apple pie for my experiment but I don't think I caused the fire. At least I hope not!
Anyway, we got suited up and made our way into "outer space." We had to be strapped down with ice packs because the suits get so hot - and I was still sweating. Our mission was to break down a structure that the Shuttle built. We were in these chairs that made us neutrally buoyant so we basically floated. I had a blast trying to move around. It was like rock climbing in reverse - you had to pull yourself back down instead on up. I also had to really think about where to put my foot so I could hang on when i needed both hands to complete the job. I can only imagine how hard these jobs are when the astronauts have to do this in their big ol' suits and heavy gloves.
After our mission we could not go back to the Space Station because it was still on fire. We made our way to the Shuttle and they took us safely back to Earth. In the end the Space Station was able to put out the fire and everyone survived!
AVIATION CHALLENGE:
During the Aviation Challenge we were supposed to do Aquatic simulation that show what it is like to crash into the water and be saved. One of the main parts - a helicopter crash simulator -was broken the day so we missed out. We were able to do the zip line that dropped you into the water at the end.
GRADUATION:
After cleaning up a bit we headed back over the the Rocket Center for our Graduation Ceremony. We actually walked across the stage and received our Educator Mission patch. We were also allowed to turn flight suit wings right side up. 
6 comments:
That sounds so awesome Kelly! I am jealous and want to go myself. It sounds like you will have some great things to do with your kiddos next year!
What a wonderful experience! I know it's one you will never forget. You got a lot into one week. Your students will be so lucky when you share with them.
Kelly-
How cool!
Patty
What an experience of a lifetime! You so need to take a group of kids next year!!! How cool would that be??!! The blog was an excellent way to share with everyone!
How fun! I am so glad that you had a wonderful experience and that it was everything you had hoped for. You will definitely have a "blast" teaching about space next year!
That had to be the best ever Kelly!! Yes, I am just now getting a chance to check out your space camp blog! But, that experience had to be one of a lifetime!! I know you had a blast and the kids are going to benefit so much from it this year! And I think they may benefit from some of that karaoke singing too, you never know!! ;) Later chica!
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