Growing up I dreaded this question. I hated the career days you had in elementary schools. I had no idea what my dad did for work and everytime someone asked that's what I would say. "I don't know." Pretty lame huh? What kid doesn't know what their dad's job is? When I would ask my dad I always got some crazy explanation that I didn't understand. So finally he told me he was an electrical engineer and left it at that.
Jeremy calls my dad a Rocket Scientist and it drives my dad crazy. He will tell Jeremy with a slightly annoyed tone that there is "no such thing as a rocket scientist." But in all reality if there was such a thing as a rocket scientist Jeremy is totally right. It would be my dad.
Check out his latest project.
"Attached is a photo of the CNOFS spacecraft as it is being encapsulated in the rocket fairing." That was what my dad typed into the email he sent to the kids. Yeah... don't feel bad I don't Kaden knew what it meant either.
The finished product. Looks like they are "fillin' er up". Wonder what kind of cash you drop to fuel this baby? I really have no idea what they are doing, probably just running some tests.
My dad has been working on this project for the last 8 years and it is finally has a launch date of April 14th. I had to email my dad to make sure it was ok to post these pictures. He assured me this project was not classified and therefore it would be ok. Here is the rocket attached to the plane landing at their launch site:
The flyover.
The touchdown.
You can see the rocket strapped underneath the airplane.
The first and only time I have seen my dad launch a project was in 1997. I believe it was a satellite, feel free to comment and correct dad. We were living in California at the time so we got to skip a day of school and head to the launch site. It was the longest wait ever, but so cool when it actually flew up into space. Loud and Amazing!
What about your dad? Does he build stuff and launch it into space too?
17 comments:
Uh, yeah, I think your dad is rocket scientist too. I had no idea what he was talking about in his email to you. I think it was in English though. :)
I'm not quite sure what my dad does at work either :)
Wow... that is some pretty cool stuff! My Dad works at a music store. When I was a kid he traveled to Japan and Taiwan a lot for business stuff...
Um, I don't think anyone is going to brag about what their dad does now. Who can follow "rocket scientist?"
Actually, I have a funny story about this. On career day in Kindergarten we went around the room and everyone had to say what their dad did for a living and when it got to me I said, "My dad fixes cars to make money." All the adults laughed and I couldn't figure out for the life of me why.
I never knew what my dad did either. Luckily that is pretty common around here. In middle school I guess he decided I could be trusted. He finally told me he ran simulations. Um...ok. Of what? Once again I got the blank stare that clearly meant "I'd tell you but then I'd have to kill you." He's been retired 6 years and still wont talk about it. My husband on the other hand, talks way too much!
My dad used to build houses. Pretty easy.
But your dad? Your dad is TOTALLY a rocket scientist!
This was a great post. Jack would love to do this type of project. I'm totally going to show him this post. My dad was a Counselor for LDS Social Services. He was able to help lots of people. Now, ask me what Jack does? Yeah, he's an Electrical Engineer, but that's all I know. He'd totally know exactly what that email meant!
Heather,
I used towork for the company (Orbital) that built the rocket that the spacecraft was being launched on. I vaguely remember working on some documentation for the CNOFS project, but it was quite a while ago. Weird to see it now.
Kelly
Yeah, your dad is a rocket scientist. How cool is that?
Very, Very cool. I bet your dad is so excited about all his efforts that are going to be rewarded with the launch. I'm thrilled for him.
That is awesome! Now Kaden can tell everyone what a cool job his Grandpa has.
What! When your dad is a rocket scientist, you have free bragging rights. Its just the way it is. That is way to smart to even understand. Amazing.
My dad is a man that can do no wrong. Thats pretty impressive too. This was a great tribute to your father Heather. Thanks.
You are too funny! A real live rocket scientist. That's pretty cool. I would have a hard time understanding the technical language as well.
Lacey... I totally know what you are saying! I can see your dad being all secretive.
Awesome job to have and to be able to say your dad is a rocket scientist double fun.
I don't care what he says..he is a rocket scientist! ;)
My dad works for the BIA (which is Bureau of Indian Affairs). In third grade my teacher asked what he did and I said he worked for the Bureau of Indian Abuse...I am still insulted that she not only laughed but called another teacher over for me to repeat it to. :P
You know, your dad the rocket scientist gave my sister the rocket scientist her first job in the field.
I love reading your blog, by the way, I hope you don't mind my stopping by.
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