Mission Training and Another Team with the MAT

I was allowed to follow a team into the mock Shuttle area during their training for their mission.  This was another first for me. Usually they don't include the chaperones in this.  I didn't stay long because I wanted the students to focus on their missions.

                                  Here's a peek into the cockpit of the Space Shuttle.

                          These astronauts are receiving a briefing about their duties on the mission. 

                                            Linton is checking out what his assignment entails.

It helps to know where the panels are that contain the switches that you will use during the mission.  They can be found to the left, the right, directly in front of you, or even overhead.  I didn't count the number of switches, but take my word for it, there are A LOT of them.  These astronauts in the shuttle depend on their knowledge of the switch panels as well as that of the communications teams at Houston who will help them in case of an anomaly.   (This word was used in their training and I even heard one of the students use it again when describing a part of their mission experience.  See what I mean when I say they are learning without even knowing it. ;-} )


The Mariners at the MAT:

                                              
                                                     Davis Ryan - Above and below

Malik is reviewing his teammates on Space Bowl Questions

                                          These campers are waiting their turns for the MAT.

                                                            Jalien really is having fun. 

                                                                 Kaliyah loved it.

           Nothing phased Kyle.  He took everything in stride.  He really could be the one of the
                     group who could take one of the vehicles to space and handle it very well.
                                 

                                                 This is Lauryn - if you didn't recognize her.

                             Malik talked to us the whole time.  Sometimes it was undecipherable,
                                                 but at least we knew that he was conscious.

                                           Jake holding on tight.