Dreams Really Do Come True: My Shuttle Launch Experience

This past week I have had a whirlwind experience, I was so lucky to get to go to Florida for the final launch of the STS 134 Endeavour space shuttle. After months of waiting in anticipation the day had come, but only a few hours before countdown the launch was scrubbed due to technical difficulties. I was so sad as I had to go home the next day  to compete in my state History Day competition and did not know if I would get a chance to see the launch. If you have not heard about my project you can read about it here.

On our trip home the most amazing thing happened to me. My mom and I were just getting through security at the airport and as I was putting my shoes when my mom excitedly whispered to me “that’s him” I looked up in bewilderment as my mother told me that right behind us was the European Space Agency Astronaut, Luca Parmitano from Italy. My mom had met him the day before while  attending a special tweetup event at NASA that I could not go to because I was too young. We went over to greet him and he immediately looked at my mom and said “Is this your daughter, I am so glad to meet you Abigail, I hear you are going to be an astronaut someday” I told him I was his biggest fan and he said “no, no, I am your biggest fan.” He then told us he had an hour and would be happy to sit down and talk with me about what it takes to be an astronaut.

Honestly, this was the most exciting thing that has ever happened to me and yes it’s more exciting than a shuttle launch. He gave me great advice and he even let me interview him for my History Day project. You can view the interview below. After we talked for 30 minutes he gave me his email address and told me to email him with questions anytime and if I ever wanted another interview he would try to make it happen!!! And with that I tell you dreams really do come true!