Inspiration

Team Carthage had a good first flight day. Erin, Joe, and Sam were able to collect good data and certainly made the most of their experience. For those of you who are Facebook friends, keep an eye out for Joe's zero gravity video.

Later in the afternoon, astronaut Barbara Morgan gave a presentation on her time in space on the STS-118 shuttle mission in 2007. Apart from the description of her work on the shuttle and the International Space Station, she also described the creamy, velvety blackness of space, the abundance of stars, and the incredible beauty of a sunrise from orbit. Barbara was genuine when she encouraged all of us to keep trying and keep working for our dreams... namely that of being an astronaut.

Barbara Morgan has been an inspiration to me since elementary school, when my classmates and I sang a song about Christa McAullife. I think that is when I first knew that I want to be an astronaut. It was incredible to meet and have several conversations with Barbara on this trip. She is a delightful woman and I appreciate the time that I have been able to spend with one of my idols. If you are reading this Barbara, I just want to say thank you!

Please wish us a good flight again tomorrow!


Barbara Morgan with Team Carthage