1 Tragedy and 1 Great Sucess

The first rocket launch was a big deal. As the Apollo 11 astronauts were in the rocket, they got ready to launch at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA. My grandma, Dorothy Smith, was at home ready to watch the launch on T.V. on July 16, 1969, with her family.


What part do you remember the best and what was your favorite part?
For me, the lift-off as both. It's the adrenaline and anticipation that catches you as they go into the stars. I think you could ask anyone who experienced the launch and they would say the same thing.

Could your mind feel the heat like you were there in person?
Yes, in a way. It is tough to feel the heat actually, but in my mind I was burning up in a way. It may have been the intensity and pressure, but anyway this is a historical landmark in US and World history. It was just astonishing the way it was.

Was it among the top 5 moments in your life?
Yes, ranking 5th. It was just such a big deal and a landmark for the USA.

When the challenger exploded if you were an employee who had communication with them when it went off course, what would you have said to the astronauts inside the Challenger?
I would have been stunned and confused. Also time goes way too fast so you really can't say anything.

What would you have said to the media about the Challenger as CEO of NASA?
I would have said, "We are proud of those brave astronauts. They gave us the warning to check everything more cautiously. This was a great learning experience and also a tragedy.
Thank you, Challengers."

Going to any launch would be fun. How would you describe going to one?
Well, first off it would be loud and very warm. The ground may shake also. Adrenaline levels would be very high. It would be fun, and I would consider going to one.

This was my interview with my grandma, Dorothy Smith. My prospective of rocket launches was that it was one of the coolest things ever because the flames and heat are so extraordinary. That never changed throughout the interview. My grandma also taught me how important astronauts are to the world. I had a lot of fun doing this interview and my grandma was glad to help out. Thanks Grandma!

Ty S.