Mission Starbase

How far away is the road to space? Of course, it depends on where you are coming from and where you are going.

I previously wrote about all of the NewSpace sites in Texas (see Real Space Cowboys). Well recently, I had a chance to visit Starbase, the launch site of SpaceX Starship in Boca Chica, Texas. This was a very long drive but totally worth the visit as I was able to see SN15 (which successfully launched and landed) and SN16 (forced into early retirement) up close - I mean really close.

A visit to Starbase should be on every space enthusiast's list of places to visit next. There is so much to see from Highway 4 (public road but watch for closures) including the Rocket Park, the High Bay, the Higher Bay (under construction), the Launch Site and even the beach. If this is too far away for you, you can always watch on the internet.

Thanks to Austin and Nic for pointing out some things to see while at Starbase. While this was my first visit to Starbase, I am hopeful that it will not be my last because I still need to see the High Bay up close plus I still haven't seen a live rocket launch. This was an epic adventure!

#SpaceXStarship #Starbase #NASASpaceFlight #EverydayAstronaut

Happy Birthday National Park Service!

Is it appropriate to ask the age of the National Park Service (NPS)? She doesn't look a day over 29.

On August 25, 2021, the National Park Service celebrated 105 years. Back in May 2016, I received my first Junior Ranger Badge from Big Bend National Park (+Fort Davis NHS) just before NPS turned 100. Thank you Ranger Anna for making the Junior Ranger program so much fun.

Since that time, I have earned nearly 30 Junior Ranger badges from national parks, monuments and historical sites. This is a great program for all ages because it allows you to spend time in the beauty of nature learning more about the amazing places you are visiting.

Not the outdoorsy type? Keep in mind that there are many national parks in urban areas such as the National Mall in Washington DC, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island in NYC or even the National Jazz Park in NOLA.

Most of the better known national park sites charge admission, but there are many sites that offer free admission. All of the national parks are free on select days throughout the year. Even better, if you have a fourth grader in your family, you can sign up here to receive a free Fourth Grade National Parks pass. It's not every day that your fourth grader can afford to purchase admission for your whole family, so how can you not afford to do this - it's free!

Looking forward to earning my next Junior Ranger badge. Happy adventuring!

#EveryKidOutdoors #NationalParkGeek #JuniorRanger #HappyAdventuring

Lights, Camera, Action!

Have you ever wanted to make a film? Enter the Pegasus Film Festival.

Last year at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, my art teacher, Ms. Aidala, challenged our class to make a short film. My first attempt was just that - a first attempt, but I decided to enter it into the Pegasus Film Festival, the largest student run film festival in the country. Here is a link to my first film, One Small Step, that ended up being an official selection in the 2020 Pegasus (International) Film Festival. I added international because the entire event was virtual and included student entries from all over the world.

On May 22, 2021, my second film premiered during the 2021 (International) Pegasus Film Festival. My film did not win any awards, but I am so happy that One Giant Leap - The Athena Mission was selected and wanted to share it with you. My film will also be featured on the KERA series Frame of Mind on December 16, 2021 along with some other short films from the Pegasus Film Festival.

Thank you to Pegasus Film Festival for providing a platform for students to share their creativity with the community. See ya next year!

#PegasusFilmFestival #GreenhillSchool #FrameofMindKERA