Written by Zack Campbell
Reflecting on our trip to Kennedy Space Center, I have to say that it was such a unique and wonderful experience that I am forever grateful that I could be a part of it. Since we were at KSC for 18 days, picking just a few events to talk about is tough, however, a few things do stand out in my mind.
First, working on a project of this magnitude was enlightening in so many ways. Preparing the research for launch meant that our lab got to work with people from NASA and other collaborating labs. I met such wonderful people. Plus, knowing that I physically handled and worked on this project that is now 250 miles aloft and in orbit is pretty remarkable.
Secondarily, I am an avid follower of all things space and have watched live broadcasts of previous launches. Seeing CRS-18 launch in person was something I will never forget. The sight of the fuel burning as bright as plasma cutters followed by the sounds you can feel in your chest was a whole new experience. Trying to describe these feelings won’t do it justice.
Third, being at KSC during the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 was amazing good fortune. Meeting the Vice President and Astronaut Buzz Aldrin (who 50 years to that day was on the moon) was a great honor and made more special on the account of celebrating one of the greatest accomplishments in human history. It was humbling and fun to spend significant time at the place where the U.S. has paved the way for space exploration and where countless explorers have set foot and made history.
At the core of all of this I am thankful to experience this with some of the finest people I have had the opportunity work with. My team members and their families made each experience into a great one
