On March 31, 2022, after two days postponement due to winds over 60 mph, the day started off dark and cold at 4:00 AM CT. We didn't sleep much that night. We were too excited and pumped.
Once we headed out to Launch Site One, family and friends gathered on both sides of the roadway screaming words of encouragement with the clanging of cow bells cheering us onward.
After being loaded into the capsule, the first off training situation is at T-9:59 our HOLD button is on. They don't teach you that in training. People asked;
did it feel like a long time?
were you anxious?
what were you thinking?
Forty-six minutes later, we are back on schedule and the countdown continues. 3-2-1
LIFT OFF!
You HEAR the deafening roar of the engines, you FEEL the seat start shaking, you SEE the ceiling fill with red lights, (a reflection of the engines igniting) and slowly you feel the rocket lifting off the pad and then POW the acceleration of G forces! Looking out the window, the earth quickly falls farther away as the sky turns to a pale blue and then the blackest of darkness I've ever seen.... "The Black Wall". There are no stars, no reflections... just blackness.
There are no words to describe what my eyes have seen. I've tried so many time when people ask "What was it like?" It's impossible to describe. Everyone has their own experience and interpretation. For me, it is very spiritual and emotional. It has changed me seeing our Earth in a different perspective...there is a responsibility to make our world a better place.
I am so grateful for the opportunity to be among the first to explore this new space age. Sharing my journey with elementary children inspires me ....how can I reach more students? Let's get them excited about their futures in space and make learning fun again!