NOLS in Space!

On October 23, 2007 at 11:38 a.m. EDT NASA’s shuttle Discovery successfully blasted off from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. On board was commander Pamela Melroy, pilot George Zamka, Expedition 16 flight engineer Daniel Tani, and mission specialists Scott Parazynski, Doug Wheelock, Stephanie Wilson and Paolo Nespoli. All seven crewmembers are proud NOLS grads of a NASA-specific course organized through NOLS Professional Training. Before heading into space, all astronauts come to NOLS to learn leadership skills, teamwork and communication.
Longtime NOLS instructor Missy White attended the shuttle launch to proudly see her NOLS NASA grads off. “The impact of watching a launch is hard to describe,” Missy said. “The ignition of the engines was stunningly bright and outrageously loud. Within seconds the shuttle was a mere bright blip way up high in the sky. As a NOLS instructor, I seek to have my students learn enough to be independent of me, and for them to lead the way. STS-120 is doing just that! I smiled to think that these folks are the great explorers of the modern world. I am proud of them in a way that knows no words.”
Good luck and safe travels STS-120! We’re all proud of you!