Early this morning, the scholars boarded the VESSS Bus to NASA. Despite working far into the night, the students were eager to return to Langley Research Center to work on their missions. After a delicious breakfast, the students had a tour of the CAPABLE (Chemistry and Physics Atmospheric Boundary Layer Experiment) facilities by Travis Knepp, a senior research scientist at NASA, and had the opportunity to observe an atmospheric monitoring station firsthand.
After a busy morning of working on their missions, the students had a special opportunity to hear from United States Navy Captain and former astronaut Scott “Scooter” Altman. Cpt. Altman told the scholars how he wanted to be a pilot ever since seeing an episode of the TV show “Sky King.” However, when he applied to the U.S. Air Force, he was disqualified from flying because he was too tall when seated in a cockpit. Two years into college, Altman learned that the U.S. Navy also trained pilots, and more surprisingly, allowed for taller pilots. Joining the Navy as a pilot and officer, Altman spent years flying jets, even having the opportunity to fly an F-14 in the blockbuster film “Top Gun.” After a long career of flying and overcoming more than his fair share of rejections, Altman found his way to NASA where he piloted four space shuttle missions. The students were incredibly excited to hear from Altman, and encouraged to hear that he believed their generation would be the ones to return to the moon.
After hearing from Altman, the scholars continued to work on their missions. At the afternoon debrief, the students shared what they had accomplished for the day and fielded some very tough questions from a panel of NASA mentors and VSGC interns. Tonight, the scholars have been planning for their Plenary Panel Presentations. While the scholars are undoubtedly nervous, we have little doubt that they will succeed.
After a busy morning of working on their missions, the students had a special opportunity to hear from United States Navy Captain and former astronaut Scott “Scooter” Altman. Cpt. Altman told the scholars how he wanted to be a pilot ever since seeing an episode of the TV show “Sky King.” However, when he applied to the U.S. Air Force, he was disqualified from flying because he was too tall when seated in a cockpit. Two years into college, Altman learned that the U.S. Navy also trained pilots, and more surprisingly, allowed for taller pilots. Joining the Navy as a pilot and officer, Altman spent years flying jets, even having the opportunity to fly an F-14 in the blockbuster film “Top Gun.” After a long career of flying and overcoming more than his fair share of rejections, Altman found his way to NASA where he piloted four space shuttle missions. The students were incredibly excited to hear from Altman, and encouraged to hear that he believed their generation would be the ones to return to the moon.
After hearing from Altman, the scholars continued to work on their missions. At the afternoon debrief, the students shared what they had accomplished for the day and fielded some very tough questions from a panel of NASA mentors and VSGC interns. Tonight, the scholars have been planning for their Plenary Panel Presentations. While the scholars are undoubtedly nervous, we have little doubt that they will succeed.