Space

Systems Engineer Douglas Wong - NASA

." When I was actually about 16 or 17, I came across this publication through Arthur C. Clarke contacted Space Odyssey 2001. That was in fact the very first science fiction book that I have actually ever reviewed. I was actually just so recorded by what he had actually written because the many things that he discussed weren't [occurring] in the outlying future, however in the year 2001. In the book, he refers to a lot regarding spaceport station, and space capsule that climb to the space station, and lorries that most likely to the Moon or even the Moon center, and all that. I mean, these are conditions that you listen to today constantly, right? As Well As Arthur C. Clarke actually imagined it at that time. To ensure that was interesting to me. I hoped that someday I could deal with one thing like that." In conditions of my education and learning, I was in fact visiting enter into the area engineering, however at that point someone urged me that mechanical engineering will provide me a broader history. So I observed the assistance, and it was actually the appropriate thing to perform. I wound up learning a lot of points, certainly not just technical design however additionally a great deal concerning electric engineering and systems engineering all at once." ... After that an option included NASA. It went to that opportunity that they started speaking about the spaceport station. Ronald Reagan at that time was the President, and also he recommended this project to establish the space station. Back then, he called the space station 'Independence.'." I believed, 'Wow, what a stimulating concept it would certainly be actually fantastic if I could deal with that.'." As well as of program, one thing led to an additional, as well as [I found yourself focusing on the International Spaceport Station.] So you certainly never recognize what you are actually mosting likely to end up performing." I count on coexistence in some cases. The many things that you do, one way or another, trigger your ultimate place. Some unseen forces push you during that direction. When you recall, you understand that whatever meshes.".-- Douglas Wong, Systems Developer, ISS CRS Checking Out Lorry Protection &amp Mission Affirmation Assimilation Focal, NASA's Johnson Space Center.Graphic Debt: NASA/Bill StaffordInterviewer: NASA/Thalia Patrinos.Have a look at some of our other Images of NASA..