I asked for questions, and you came up with some great ones! I’ll be sprinkling the answers over the next couple weeks.
Sharon asks: Sorry, but I have to know what your favorite cheese is…mine is Irish white cheddar. (YUM)
- The Young Adult Phase, where I interned at NASA Dryden in the Mojave desert, designed hypersonic engines, crashed the test pilot’s bar, and hitched glider rides from world famous test pilots.
- The Get Serious Phase, where I lived off a NASA grant for my graduate studies in supersonic engine simulations, which funded a studio apartment at University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana that was the size of my kitchen (note: I have a small kitchen).
- The Get Crazy Serious Phase, Part 1, where I interned for a summer while working on my Ph.D. at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, studying satellite imagery and looking for aircraft contrails and cloud patterns from space.
- The Get Crazy Serious Phase, Part 2, where I used a NASA grant for my Ph.D. research and lived on-site at NASA Langley Research Center, designing test-rigs for measuring jet-engine exhaust and running experimental and computational simulations of the effects of high altitude aircraft engine exhaust on global warming, in particular the formation of sulfur-oxide and poly-aromatic hydrocarbon aerosols.
*You would think that having spent all that time, getting advanced degrees and working for NASA, only to apply and not be accepted to the astronaut training program would be devastating. After all, it was a childhood dream being crushed! (Ok, I’ll admit I was a tad disappointed.) But here’s the thing: all along, I knew that being an astronaut was a high-stakes, long-odds dream. Being a practical person, I was determined that every step on the path be one I would have taken anyway, even if I never ended up in space.
In other words, I enjoyed the journey – and quite a journey it was!
By the time I reached the application stage, I had already decided that being strapped to 6 million pounds of fuel and oxidizer wasn’t necessarily the best of options. (Note this was related to being a young mom, not the Challenger disaster. I was in college when that happened, and more determined afterwards to pursue the dream. My mom was not pleased.)
There are some obvious analogies to writing (although writing is slightly less hazardous). Whether or not you “make it” in writing – however you define that – make sure you enjoy the journey.
I don’t regret pursuing my childhood dream of becoming an astronaut, just because I failed to achieve it. Failure beats the alternative:
(70 year old me, talking to the grandkids): Well, when I was a kid like you, I wanted to be an astronaut.
(dimpled darlings): Why didn’t you, Grandma?
(Me): I never tried.
Never regret the trying. It’s the only thing we’re truly here to do.
wow! that's so cool! way to try!!! 🙂
Most impressive background. (Insert rocket scientist joke here).
@Aspiring "Way to try" – I likes it. 🙂
@Rick Whenever I hear the words "most impressive" I always think of Darth Vader. {wheezing voice}Impressive. Most impressive. 🙂 My business card says "Rocket Scientist and Writer" – most people think I'm joking. 🙂
With all this in mind, it's great to hear that you're writing science fiction!
@Kate The military/SF sneaks into whatever I write, even the love stories. 🙂
susan, you smarty pants! And what a cool experience you had doing all that space work! Mojave desert… oooo… Langley… ooo… So spill it. What's really going on in Area 51? ;p <3
@LTM Area 51 is where the Giant Turtle came from. For realz. 🙂
LOL that's such a funny post! I love hearing things like this about other writers, getting little glimpses into what jobs and intersts have shaped them! I always get a strange reaction when I slip up and mention interviewing with the FBI or being in flight school. Especially given that everyone who knows me now, is fully aware that I hate flying LOL!
@Lindsay Writers are such a diverse and interesting lot! So, you interviewed with the FBI (for clearance) and were in flight school – I'm guessing Air Force? Or military of some kind? Or was that for commercial flying? Now you've intrigued me … 🙂
You're a rocket scientist? Will you married me?
Sincerely,
NASA Groupie
OMG, I can't escape NASA!! It's like some sort of book premise, right? 😀 No my husband works at JPL, so I had to smile at the "boring" part. Especially since typically I just have to nod and smile when he gets technical on me.
Thanks for sharing, Susan. We stopped at NASA in FL this fall after a Disney Cruise and it was absolutely amazing. My 6 year old son has a space themed room and he was so enthralled by the exhibits.
I can't say that I've ever wanted to be an astronaut, but I have wanted to be a writer for a long time. Keeping my fingers crossed.
Thanks again for sharing. (and if you want to post some more dorky NASA-years photos, go right ahead)
I'm guessing you never had much trouble with air sickness…
@PenandInk LOL! I would, but there's four of you, and I'm pretty sure that's illegal in ALL fifty states.
@Lisa Escape From NASA – yes, I'm pretty sure you've got built-in conflict there! And you TOTES know what I mean about the boring. This is why geeks inter-marry. It's a self-preservation thing.
@Robin I'm so excited your son loves the space stuff! The photos are generally kept under lock and key (because they're hideous) but if your son ever has questions, you can tell him you'll ask your friend with the Aerospace Engineering degree. 🙂
@Bryan And … you would be wrong! I got hideously air sick, especially when riding a research flight over the humid East Coast in summer…up…and down…and up…and down. For 10 hours. I was very proud that I kept my lunch. The pilots still laughed at me.
Wow. You have an amazing history!
Man. If I think this is really cool, does that make me a total nerd? Yes? I'm okay with that.
I like Smoked Gouda, and Gruyere.
Susan, you never cease to amaze me. I would LOVE to sit down with you someday over a margarita and talk about your PhD research. And everything else. You've done some truly amazing things in your life!
@Eagle Thanks! It's a lot of tech stuff (see "boring" above), so I don't usually talk about it.
@Matthew I'm the nerd. You're just cool! (Ok, maybe a nerd too – can we have a nerd flag? 🙂 p.s. Gouda is awesome.
@LT It would be a race to see whether the margarita or research would put you under the table first! But I would love to sit down and chat sometime!! This is what I think conferences are truly for – a chance to meet your blog buddies in the flesh. 🙂
That photo and story were unbelievably cool, Sue! I'm glad for you that you pursued your dreams.
Congratulations, you've won the Stylish Blogger Award! Stop by http://jenniferlanebooks.blogspot.com for details!
@Jennifer Thanks! And thank you for the award! 🙂
As the above referenced mom, I can attest to being a little freaked at the notion of my wonderful daughter being perched on a mega-ton bomb and going into space! That said, I was, and continue to be, very proud of said daughter. She frequently inspires me and stretches my thinking. We may not always be on the same page, but we are usually in the same book. Hugs & Love.
Gen Yeager did not break the sound barrier with the X-1E. It was with the XS-1 which became the X-1.
@Mom Hi Mom!! *waves* How cool is that my mom visits my blog?
@Anon (NASA source)
The X-1 Program was originally designated the XS-1 for EXperimental Sonic. The X-1’s mission was to investigate the transonic speed range (speeds from just below to just above the speed of sound) and, if possible, to break the "sound barrier." Three different X-1s were built and designated: X-1-1, X-1-2 (later modified to become the X-1E), and X-1-3….On Oct. 14, 1947, the X-1-1, piloted by Air Force Captain Charles "Chuck" Yeager, became the first aircraft to exceed the speed of sound, reaching about 700 miles per hour (Mach 1.06) and an altitude of 43,000 feet. The number 2 X-1 was modified and redesignated the X-1E….The X-1E was used to obtain in-flight data at twice the speed of sound, with particular emphasis placed on investigating the improvements achieved with the high-speed wing.
So, yes, the X-1E was the sister aircraft – not the first to fly, but still flown in that historic program.
Whoa. Totally didn't bore me ~ I read every word with interest. We're a science geek family here too. Two BIL's work for space craft engineering firms and one of my sons has wanted to be an astronaut since he could talk. Seriously. And he still does. I'm going to tell him about your experience. Not to discourage him, but because you can do ALL THAT and still not get chosen for a space mission. We talk about that all the time, but still, it will be cool to share your experience with him.
And I couldn't agree with you more about enjoying the journey and living without regrets. That is how I live my life. Fantastic post, Susan!
@Ali At least the shuttle program was still vibrant (vs. being shuttered) when I was dreaming of being an astronaut. Now the excitement is in the private space industry (and probably even more so when your son grows up). I love that you want to share my story with him! If he continues to be serious about it, feel free to contact me. There are many steps on the path, but the first one is an easy one, because there are so many benefits: getting a degree in engineering or science. And for that he has to have good grades and study hard in math and science in school. 🙂
I loved all the NASA details in this post (and cheese curds rock too, by the way). My favorite part though was envisioning your 70 year old self's answer to the grandkids.
And, that is why I keep writing. My 70 year old self: "I wanted to be an author." Grandkid: "did you get to be one?" "Yup. I wrote ten books and you, my dear, can read them." (even if I never do get published!)
Ms. Quinn,
I appreciated your posting on your early career experience at NASA, especially the first "young adult phase" where you interned at NASA Dryden. You made it abundantly clear to your readers that its so important to be adequately prepared, to set a goal, and to work at it — or at least try. And if those specific goals aren't realized,to have at least enjoyed the journey.
It took me 40 years working in the media and the aerospace industry before I ended up at NASA in a non-technical position (that's what happens when you flunk high school math), but for the past 15 years I've been enjoying the journey, translating engineer-ese into English for the media and the public. It was well worth the long wait, and the journey continues today.
@Margo I love that! Because, yes, you can always have your family/kids/grandkids read your work. And that's a beautiful thing.
@Alan Ah, to have worked at Dryden when they had such a shiny website … and a blog! The times, they have changed. 🙂 Looks like the X-1E may still be there (at least it's in the gallery)! I'm glad you realized your dream to work at NASA – how cool is that? And heaven knows we need people that can translate geek-speak for the public. Tech writers are a special breed that can bridge both worlds – kudos to you, sir! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing…My Grandad and Uncle were on the forefront (forgive my spelling) of aviation. Grandad worked for BOAC after WWII and my uncle worked for McDonald Douglas…he worked with the NASA too…
How come I was the only person who was interested in your favorite cheese???? I've never heard of Earl Grey Cheese. I drink Earl Grey tea though…
@Sharon It DOES run in the family! My dad worked for Rockedyne on one of the engines that flew to the moon. He even got some footage of the landing, as part of the program. Inspiring stuff!
And sorry for the cheese confusion! The Earl Grey is tea and the curds are cheese! 🙂
Not bored at all!!
You already know my daughter wants to be an astronaut 🙂 We just went to Kennedy Space Center on Tuesday where she had a blast talking to space shuttle astronaut John Blaha. I always say dream big. And we are definitely going to have to talk more about this!!
@Sherrie You know I'd be happy to talk to her! One of the important parts of an astronaut's job is to be the face of the space program for kids and adults, which was one part I would have really enjoyed. If I can encourage kids to go into science and engineering (prerequisites for the space program) even now, all the better! 🙂
Always wondered about that ex-engineer, rocket scientist part of your profile. Thanks for the thorough explanation! Hmm, out of curiosity, exactly how many women have donned on that astronaut outfit and have had the chance to fly in space? Did you stop working in the engineering field all together after becoming a mom?
Oh yeah, and Wisconsin Cheese Curds rock the cheese pyramid, so long as they are fresh and squeak.
@Brimful I love the squeaky cheese! I even put it in one of my novels.
According to Wikipedia (the source of all knowledge) there have been 44 U.S. non-tourist female astronauts (that have flown in space). There are more that are candidates or never flown. For about two years after I became a mom, I continued to work (part-time), but with the second kidlet came along, I decided to stay home full time. I have not returned to engineering since then, but I've done other things (like run for school board). 🙂