Catching Up. Final Fall Semester of ASE Undergrad

I almost let the blog go, but I realized that I had actually posted a few posts on it. I am in my last Fall

My senior seminar signed off!

semester of the Aerospace undergrad. I cannot tell you how unreal that feeling is. It is exciting and very terrifying. At this point in every soon to be graduating senior, the unknown is a huge black hole that is threatening to swallow you whole. There are many options and doors that you want to open, but the bottomline, are you valuable enough to be given the keys to open these doors presented to you.

Many doors lay open, one of great importance to me is Graduate School. I would love to go further with my career. As self centered as this sounds, I am destined for greatness. I truly believe this. This "greatness" that i speak of is nothing like ruling a country or winning some kind of Academy award, but achieving the goals i have set forth for myself. Truly and entirely inspiring kids, especially young women into the field of science and engineering, to be apart of a *manned* space expedition, whether it be on the vessel or the project manager of the project. Grad school is something that i

MSU Space Cowboys at USLI Competition 2013

have been seriously considering for the past few months. I recently found out about a particular program called Space Studies. I believe that degree is what I need to take me further. So I am planning on applying at University of North Dakota as well as the International Space University (in France) for a MS in Space Studies. I think I will excel in the degree considering my experience with my rocket design team Space Cowboys.

Another door, or I suppose a couple of doors are the possibility of an actual job. I have been applying like a mad woman. As Lockheed Martin's Alan Lowrey put it, "You are trying to get a job, you are starting your career." These are words that are very hard to live by because as someone who wants to be in manned spaceflight, that is not an easy job to just luck into as a new graduate. We will see how everything goes.

I take the GRE in December after classes have let out. So I am going to begin studying for that soon. I will probably have the most trouble with the verbal section. I haven't had to think along those lines in years. I also have some exciting news coming up within the world of MK. That will be announced pretty soon. I will most

Me in front of a SaternV at Marshall

likely talk a lot about it on this blog. In the world of Aerospace undergrad. It is Panel Project time! Which means we are building an aluminum panel with stringers. This had to be designed, analyzed, optimized, fabricated and tested for our Structures III class. It is a rite of passage for all seniors in MSU Aerospace. It has been challenging and I know it will be rewarding at the end of it. Just gotta make it to the end. My group is testing our panels this coming Thursday November 14th. We still need to finish routing the bracers as well as plaster the endcaps. Then we will be ready for testing. After testing we are off to writing the final report. The experience I have through rocket team with writing technical reports should be help and make this go smoothly. The end of the semester is coming quickly. Soon I will be in my last semester of my undergraduate degree and moving on to the next chapter of my life. I can't tell you how sad that makes me. I have made amazing friends my journey through my undergrad. It terrifies me what is to come. Especially if it is moving out of the south or where I am our of Kingdom (SCA). But what I know to be true about myself, whatever comes my way I will hit it with force, grace, honor and courtesy.

Here we go.

“... there is no shame in not knowing. The problem arises when irrational thought and attendant behavior fill the vacuum left by ignorance.” - Neil DeGrasse Tyson

ASE Department: Some times you wanna go where everybody knows your name.

The Mississippi State University Aerospace Department is one of the best departments to ever be apart of. Why do I say this? The past couple of months we have been interviewing new candidates to fill a teaching position at the department. Our department sets up a time where students can sit down and just chat with the candidate. See what they are like and see how well they would fit within our department. We had another candidate lunch this past Thursday, and like how they all quickly disolve into the students talking about how much of a family atmosphere the Aerospace Department has. It is really unlike anything, I think, you will find in the world. We all know how important it is to help one another. This doesnt just go for students, the faculty and staff are the same way. Professors will bend over backwards to help a student with anything they need. One example of this is from last semseter. I was having a lot of problems understanding a class I was taking called Vibrations. I was telling my mom one day in the department how difficult it was and how much trouble I was having in the class. When one of my professors, Dr. KeKo, had overheard my phone call. He called me into his office once I was off of the phone, and proceeded to ask me about the class. By the time I left his office he had offered to tutor me in the subject. Dr. KeKo, like all of our professors, are very busy with their own research, classes and students, and he decided to give me some of his precious time to help me with this subject that was quite honestly kicking my butt. And honestly, if he hadn't stepped up like he had, I would not have made it through that class. This is just one case of how awesome my department is. The students go out of their way to help one another and so do the professors. I am so incredibly lucky to be apart of such a great department. When we get the new candidates in we always go into a complete spill about how much we love our department. It is the people that knit it together to be as great as it is, and we want them to realize that if they want to come into this department. Last semester I realized that if our department had a song, it would be the Cheers theme song. "Some times you wanna go where everybody knows your name. And they're always glad you came...." That couldn't describe the MSU Aerospace Department more. That is how I feel when I walk into an ASE class or the Aero Lounge or the Aerospace First Friday (dinner at a bar with the department). It truly is special what we have here.



I know this has probably been cheesy. Just a complete love fest at my department, but when you are in pursuit of a career in rocket science, it honestly is the best atmosphere to surround yourself in.

"The amazing thing is that every atom in your body came from a star that exploded. And, the atoms in your left hand probably came from a different star than your right hand. It really is the most poetic thing I know about physics: You are all stardust. You couldn’t be here if stars hadn’t exploded, because the elements - the carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, iron, all the things that matter for evolution - weren’t created at the beginning of time. They were created in the nuclear furnaces of stars, and the only way they could get into your body is if those stars were kind enough to explode." -Lawrence Krauss

"A Sentimental Journey into History." #STS135 #NASATweetup

The 12 hour drive back from Florida has been an incredibly long one. I cannot tell you how many times I began to cry or ache to my core to be back with my Space Tweeps. I have thought a lot about what I would say about this. I was so overwhelmed with emotion about the past couple of days. How do you put into words what I had just experienced...

When It comes down to it, there are not enough adjectives in the english language to truly describe to someone what STS-135 NASATweetup was like. Talking to my mom on the phone after it all, I know I sounded like a bumbling baboon, but what happened at the STS135 NASATweetup truly shook me. It shook me like when the Shuttle broke the sound barrier...

I could go through and talk about all of the different events that happened during
the Tweetup, but I feel as though this blog will be far too long for anyone to have the patience to read. So, instead I thought I would address just awesome little moments that happened. It was unreal to meet NASA Astronauts and administrators. I just wanted to ask, what have I done that has made my kharma so great. The people we met and the amazing sights we got to see! Like We all thought we were going to miss the RSS Retraction, but what a pleasent surprise, we were there and whitnessed the unveiling of such a magnificent machine!

I feel like of all things I talk about on this, I should describe what the actual launch was like for me.

It was getting close the launch time and the Twent (Tweetup Tent) was emptying pretty quickly. We were all so lucky to have just amazing seats to view the launch. One of my Tweetup housemates and I set up along the water by the flagpole next to the Countdown Clock. There was a staticy radio trying to pick up what was going on. I don't think any of us believed that that shuttle was going to launch until the ten second countdown began. 10... 9.... 8... 7... 6... the engines started...5...4.... 3... 2... 1... LIFT OFF!!!
The most brilliant light shown from the launch of Atlantis. We all followed her up, tears streaming down my face. I saw this beautiful machine perform how it was supposed to perform. Without a hitch. The light was so incredibly bright, it was almost like looking into the sun. When Atlantis broke the sound barrier I literally felt it in my inner core. It shook me. It was such an unreal experience. One that you can't fully describe to someone unless they have experienced it. Tears still streaming down my face as Atlantis passed beyond view. I looked over at my friend, we locked our gaze with one another and just shook our heads. we both new there was absolute nothing we could say to fully be appropriate for that moment. This nonverbal communication that was just an understanding of where we were and what we had just seen had no words. And no words were needed. I was sobbing as i walked towards the twent. I was just overcome with such an amazing feeling. The emotions I was feeling I still can't even describe. It took me a good 30 minutes before I had collected myself. My housemate friend and I share this moment with one another. I will always think of that moment our eyes locked and wont help but tear up.

The NASATweetup event has been such a truly amazing experience. I have always been so very passionate abut my major in aerospace engineering. My passion has gotten me through some rough times in my major. When I talk to freshmen, I always tell them to find what they are passionate about, that is what is the most important thing you could do for yourself. Being among people who are so passionate about space and seeing it go further has been so uplifting and so incredibly inspiring. My passion has been tripled of what it was. The speakers at the Tweetup were outstanding, every single one. There words spoke deeply to me. I am still crying even now thinking about the past few days. Chills still come when I think of so many different things. I have met some amazing people who I hope will forever stay apart of my life.

I know that Stephanie and the @NASATweetup team will probably not read this, but in case by small chance they do. I tried to thank Stephanie at the Twent on Friday, but I started crying when I tried to tell her what this meant to me. So, we'll try this again. Thank you so so very much for creating this. I just don't have enough words to describe how truly overwhelming this experience was. I have always been so passionate about my major and space exploration, to hear people talk about the future and to talk to fellow space enthusiast about the future was just such an amazing experience. I cannot say enough to feel like I have thanked the @NASATweetup team enough. We know you all worked so hard on these Tweetups, We can tell because of how life changing and inspiring they are. Thank you for allowing me to be apart of this experience that I will truly always remember and will always look back on as a very important event in my life. Look for my face, I will be working for NASA one day. Taking human beings farther than we have even imagined.


Neil Degrasse Tyson tweeted this:
@Neiltyson: If someone profoundly influences your life's trajectory, don't return the favor. Pass it along to others in need of awakening

I do believe the American people need an awakening.
There are many in doubt that there will be much more after the Shuttle Program. Which they all need to know NASA has a plan. SUPPORT them. They need OUR backing. Stay involved in the amazing work that is done with NASA. Space IS important.



"This isn't the beginning of the end, it is the end of what was our BEGINNING." ~ Lori Garver, NASA Deputy Administrator

Keep your sights turned high. This isn't the end. Far from it. And I can guarantee that I will be one of the ones to be sure of that.

Unreal.

I am about a day and a half before I head out on my roadtrip to Florida for the NASA Tweetup event. I am so incredibly excited, and there just seems like there is far too much for me to do before I leave.

It almost doesn't seem like it is real. I mean usually when you get picked for such an amazing opportunity, you have months or even a year to prepare for it. Being on of the picked individuals, I had three weeks to prepare! I definitely consider this an instant gratification situation. I can not believe how quickly it is approaching.

I just thought I would put some thoughts down before I get back to cleaning and packing. Oh and finishing the last two episodes of Game of Thrones ( I know, I'm behind...)

Can't wait!

"There is an art . . . to flying. The knack lies in learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss." - Douglas Adams

New Friends

NASA Tweetup is quickly approaching. I almost feel like with such an amazing opportunity, I should have to wait a year before actually getting to do this. Instead, this is almost instant gratification! I am so pleased with how everything is falling into place. I have been put into an amazing house. VAB House Represent! "Where good times are Assembled!" ha. My housemates all seem truly awesome. I can't wait to meet them in person and have such a memorable time! On Facebook, I already have multiple of inside jokes with different Tweetup attendees! It is such an amazing experience.

I have multiple friends that I have met off of YouTube. These friends I have made are truly some of the closest and best friends I have ever had. So, making friends from Facebook chats and comments isn't completely forign to me. I am thrilled at how many amazing people are going to be at the Tweetup. It is going to be such a fun experience.

Anyway. Wanted to talk a little about the friends that I already feel I have made through this, and the event hasn't even happened. Must go and fax a waiver to FAA!

"Matter flows from place to place and momentarily comes together to be you. Some people find that thought disturbing, I find the reality thrilling." -Richard Dawkins

My Golden Ticket: Being One of the lucky 150 for STS135 NASA Tweetup

I am still in slight shock from what happened to me around noon on Friday, June 10th...

I had just gotten out of my Numerical Analysis class and was at lunch with some aerobuddies (and other non-aero friend). We were talking about what were our plans for the weekend and other random events. I knew there was going to be an announcement of the selected that day and was going to check my email before I headed to work. I pulled up my phone and I saw it....

"Congratulations, you have been selected to attend the NASA Tweetup on July 7-8 for space shuttle Atlantis' targeted launch at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida!"

I literally almost fell out of my chair out of excitement. I kept rereading the email to make sure I wasn't just seeing things or making things up. When I signed up for the NASA Tweetup, I never thought I would actually get chosen. I couldn't believe my good fortune. Still in shock I called my father about it and squeed on the phone for a good 30mins. I was literally on Cloud 9 the rest of the weekend. Such an amazing opprotunity was given to me. I waited for an hour before actual posting anything on my status on facebook. i wanted to clear my head so that I could actually form sentences. The status I posted was this:

"I was one of the 150 out of 5,500 people chosen to attend the STS135 NASA TweetUp!!! I can not describe how thrilled I am right now. I actually feel like I could blast off any moment!! What an amazing opportunity this is. I am truly honored!"



That weekend, I continued to go back and reread the email. Not to mention the amazing group of people I found myself among. Between the facebook group and Twitter, so many amazing Space Tweeps were on my twitter feed and notifications box! I was among so many vastly different people who shared my passion for space. It was a chilling experience to take a step back from tweeting, retweeting, commenting, and posting things and fully realizing how truly amazing this experience was going to be. I am still getting chills thinking about it as I type this.

I am so truly honored to be among these people and for being chosen by the NASA Tweetup crew.

I want to thank @NASATweetup for giving me this amazing opportunity that will be something I will continue to look back on. I will hopefully one day build rockets that will instill such awe and amazment that the Shuttles remain to instill in myself.

I know some NASA Tweetup folks will be reading this, so to all of you, I simply cannot wait to meet you all in person and share this life changing experience. I am honored to be counted among all of you amazing fellow space tweeps. See you in Florida!

Interested in keeping up with the #STS135 #NASATweetup crew? Follow the list here:
STS135 NASATweetup List

Interested in following what I do? Follow me here:
Mary Kate (@TimeLord_mk)

I also have a dailybooth:
MK Dailybooth

"Let's face it, space is a risky business. I always considered every launch a barely controlled explosion."— Aaron Cohen

Let's Catch Up, Shall We?

I haven't kept up with this blog at all! Although it is to be expected. Time is short and there are never enough hours in a day in my major.

So, I will catch you up.

Space Cowboys.
After 8 months of designing, planning, building, testing, and headaches, my rocket design team launched our full scale rocket, Leviathan in Virginia at NASA Wallops Flight Facility last May. It was quite the challenge too. We had many different obstacles to overcome throughout the process. When spring semester ended, Space Cowboys shifted into high gear. We spent many all nighters in the rocket design lab working to get our rocket ready. We wanted to have a test flight which ended in disaster! it was too windy the day of Leviathan's first launch and our rocket ended up becoming completely horizontal midflight which made the altimeters eject the drogue and the main parachutes at the same time. The teather ended up breaking apart from the lower have of the rocket which send the payload section plumitting to earth while the fins and the main 'chute came down .... without a GPS system on board. Our hearts sunk. We were unable to locate the bottom half of our rocket that day, but search parties were sent out and Leviathan was found.... 60feet in a tree. We ended up getting a bucket truck to help us get it down and found that one of our body tubes had been completely ripped IN HALF! You have to understand how insane this is, our rocket body tubes are made of kevlar, the same stuff bullet proof vests are made of! We were in shock, but we didnt have long. Wallops launch was quickly approaching. We had a week and a half to layup another body tube and fix the scientific payload, not to mention the CO2 ejection systems that we had yet to finish (The first launch, we used black powder ejection).

And some how within a week and a half we achieved in finishing Leviathan, and even painting him. He looked gorgeous. We loaded up and road tripped to VA. When we arrived we still had a few things to finish up on our rockets. We worked around the clock to finish. At the rocket fair we had at Wallops, the safety officials came to us to tell us we weren't allowed to use our key switches. Which made our hearts stop. The key switches have been apart of our design plans from the get-go. These key switches turn on our altimeters AND GPS system. We had about 24
hours to figure out what we were going to do. At first we thought we were going to have to MacGuyiver our rocket together. We even went to Wal-mart that night and bought 2 alarm clocks, plastic tubing and a remote control car. We were in for a long night. James, our chief engineer, pulled it off though, he made the keyswitch system we had into a pull system. So we had a loop outside the rocket, that a rope was tied to, and once pulled the rocket's altimeters and GPS systems would turn on. So we were green for launch.

The rail we got to use at Wallops was truly amazing. This rail some pretty huge rockets had launched from. and while our
rocket, Leviathan, was the largest rocket at the University Student Launch Initiative Level 2 Challenge, It would look tiny to any rocket Wallops launched on that rail. (Our rocket was 11ft tall, 7in in diameter, FYI) I was one of the lucky ones who was able to carry him out to the launch pad. We were decked in EFD coats, hard hats, and steel toed boots. There was so much anticipation lingering in the air. We were so nervous to see our baby go, but we knew it was going to be an amazing launch. Just wanted to get him up in the air.

Once we had taken a picture in front of Leviathan on the rail. We walked away from him. I looked back for one last look almost to say "Safe passage, Leviathan". He looked so small on that rail, too. Takes three people to carry him and he was ant sized compared to the rail. To think 8 months of sleepless nights came down to that moment. It is on of those many moments I have had the past two years where I have thought "This really is where I am meant to be." I love my major and everything about it.

Two members and myself went into the Block House where we could press the ignition button. We sat there quietly and Leviathan ignited and gave such a show. I could feel my heart beating as it passed beyond site. I kept asking the safety officer if we could leave the blockhouse, due to the cameras loosing site of the rocket. We got the "OK" to leave and me and the other two guys ran out the door and sprinted up the stairs to the roof.
Looking nervously out into the Atlantic Ocean. My heart felt like it was going to come out of my chest it was beating so hard. I know I annoyed that safety officer asking if she had heard anything every 20 secs. We got the word that our rocket had separated drogue and main! The boat was headed out to retrieve it. I felt a wave of relief as I realized that we were going to get our baby back. What a beautiful flight it was too.

There was a lot of excitement to be had at the success of our launch. We were happy that everything went smoothly. We even found out that 5 of the 6 CO2 canisters went off. Which is fantastic. (Our rocket has triple redundant systems so 3 canisters for the drogue and 3 canisters for the main)



USLI Level 2 at Wallops was truly an amazing experience, I wouldn't have traded for the world. It was amazing to see something you work for months on, come together and see it do what it was supposed to. Such an amazing flight Leviathan was. What a beautiful vessel.



If interested in watching an overview of our past year at space cowboys go here:
Space Cowboys 2010-2011

Husker.

I have been working on building my Level 1&2 certification rocket the past two and a half weeks. It has been a really cool experience. Working on the whole rocket alone, I have learned so much. I got to launch him this past Tuesday, June 14th. He had a beautiful launch and I got my NAR Level 1 certification. Which was pretty cool. I painted Husker like a Viper mkii from one of my favorite shows called Battlestar Galactica. Named after Admiral Adama's callsign "Husker". It even has Adama's viper number on the fin as well. ( I know... I'm a geek. LOL)



Classes have gone well this past semester I am taking summer classes now. I also have a really big announcement but am going to write a second blog post for that.

So, until then...

<3

"The Cosmos is all that is or ever was or ever will be. Our feeblest contemplations of the Cosmos stir us — there is a tingling in the spine, a catch in the voice, a faint sensation of a distant memory, as if we were falling from a great height. We know we are approaching the greatest of mysteries." - Carl Sagan