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Also, while working with this group, I had the opportunity to watch several manned tests in some of the larger vacuum chambers. This is where astronauts would get in the suit and test out hardware inside the vacuum chambers. Before any manned testing can be performed, the testing crew must run through mock emergency scenarios. As part of this, I was given the opportunity to be the subject during the mock scenarios. It was so much fun because not only did I get to pretend to be an astronaut, but I actually go to wear the space suit! It was amazing! |
| In the space suit during mock emergency scenarios |
My Second Co-op Tour - MCG Training
For my second tour, I decided to try out Mission Operations. So, I joined the Motion Control Group (MCG) in Space Station Training. This group was responsible for training the flight controllers (ADCO) who controlled the guidance, navigation, and control of the International Space Station. During this rotation, I learned a wealth of information about the Space Station, the life of a trainer, and the life of a flight controller. My main project was to become certified to teach a lesson. It took me a few months, but I was able to certify to teach astronauts a computer program that allowed them to view the outside of the Space Station and its relation to the Earth. This job was so much fun, not only because I worked in the same building as astronauts, but because when people asked what I did, I could say, “I’m an astronaut trainer. ” That is always fun! |
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Inside the shuttle cockpit |
I was also given the opportunity to help put together a case during simulations for the flight controllers, as well as watch the simulation from the Space Station Training Facility. Then, I sat with the flight controllers on console as they went through their simulation training session. It definitely gave me a taste for both sides of Mission Operations.
My Third Co-op Tour – Neurosciences Lab
I am currently working in the Neurosciences Lab where we are testing a Preflight Adaptation Trainer (PAT) to help reduce Space Motion Sickness while in space. The lab exposes people to virtual reality and looks at the severity of motion sickness symptoms, as well as postural stability and performance. This lab is so much fun because not only am I researching ways to help astronauts perform better in space, but I get to play video games while getting paid!
As for my project, I will need to design my own experiment and test it. Hopefully, I will get enough information and data out of it to write a paper and get published.
After this rotation, I am graduating from the University of Michigan and moving on to graduate school to get my PhD. I will continue working with the Neurosciences lab throughout graduate school as a graduate co-op.
Cool Things Co-ops Get to Do
There are other neat things that co-ops get to do as part of the program. There are always a series of tours and lectures, so you get to meet some really interesting and important people at NASA that you wouldn’t get the chance to otherwise. I have heard lectures from Christ Kraft, the first NASA flight director, and Gene Krantz, the lead Flight Director during Apollo 13, as well as from astronauts and flight controllers. Some of the places I have toured at NASA are the Neutral Buoyancy Lab (NBL), the Shuttle Simulator, Ellington Field, and the mockups of the Shuttle and International Space Station. |
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From left to right: Kristina Rojdev, David Leestma
(retired astronaut), Kristen Painting (fellow co-op and roommate) |
Outside of Work
Since I am not in school, and I typically don’t bring my work home with me, I have tons of free time! I have weekends again! So, here are some of the fun things I have done in my spare time.
During my first co-op rotation, I joined a volleyball league and played volleyball with other co-ops twice a week. Sometimes, we went to a sand volleyball court, ordered some pizza, and played a bunch of games with everyone. At the end of the season, our team won the championship and we all got commemorative t-shirts to remind us of the fun.
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I also went to the air show at Ellington field that year. It was really neat to see some of the big planes, like the super guppy. Just recently, the Houston Rodeo came into town, which is a BIG deal down here, and part of the rodeo is the rodeo run. I decided to participate in the rodeo run and ran my first 10k race. It went through the city of Houston, so I really got to see a lot of the city while I was running. Plus, it was a view of the city you don’t usually get. It was a lot of fun and a great experience. |
| The super guppy |
I’ve also been to Kemah a few times with co-ops. Kemah is a boardwalk with a lot of yummy restaurants and a bunch of boardwalk games. During different times of the year, they have different events, which are always a ton of fun. One year there was a jazz festival and in the summer time they have a festival called “Rock the dock” where different bands come out and play music. So, it’s always a lot of fun and only 15 minutes from NASA.
There are other neat things that co-ops get to do as part of the program. There are always a series of tours and lectures, so you get to meet some really interesting and important people at NASA that you wouldn’t get the chance to otherwise. I have heard lectures from Christ Kraft, the first NASA flight director, and Gene Krantz, the lead Flight Director during Apollo 13, as well as from astronauts and flight controllers. Some of the places I have toured at NASA are the Neutral Buoyancy Lab (NBL), the Shuttle Simulator, Ellington Field, and the mockups of the Shuttle and International Space Station. |
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On the ferry going to Galveston island |
There are so many things to do and all of it is a ton of fun! If you have any questions about NASA, being a co-op, the University of Michigan, the graduate school process, or anything else, feel free to contact me at krojdev@umich.edu or my work email kristina.rojdev-1@nasa.gov.
Links: www.umich.edu
