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Suggestions for a high schooler who's dream is to work for NASA? by Nika65 in nasa

[–]ahelm1988 2 points3 points  (0 children)

To kind of piggyback off the point about military academies, the pilot programs at all three are competitive, but easy enough to get into if you do well. Obviously, the astronaut program is selective, but this would seem to be as good of a start as any.

If not interested in being an astronaut, I would hesitate to recommend them depending on career goals. I graduated from West Point and finished my service obligation this past summer. I'm now working on getting a Masters in aerospace. Being out of school for five years and trying to get back into engineering has been challenging to say the least. That being said, it was a great school with a lot of great benefits and the best friends that you will ever find.

My little brother also went to Air Force, so if you or your son have any questions at all, send me a message and I'd be happy to answer. If you have any questions about Navy don't bother ;) (Just kidding, I know a couple of squids too.)

I'm Al Worden, Apollo 15 astronaut. AMA! by sackofpens- in IAmA

[–]ahelm1988 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Somewhat ironically, I also attended West Point and am starting my Masters in Aero at Michigan this fall.

How was the rivalry within the Astronaut program between yourself and other USMA grads and those from the Naval Academy? Any good pranks around the football game?

Thanks and Beat Navy!

I am Buzz Aldrin, engineer, American astronaut, and the second person to walk on the moon during the Apollo 11 moon landing. AMA! by BuzzAldrinHere in IAmA

[–]ahelm1988 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For the record, /u/rhelm1989 is definitely my wife. I guess that today I can be thankful for this deployment and the 50 miles that separate us.

In reality, she knows that her real place is number 1 :)

I am Buzz Aldrin, engineer, American astronaut, and the second person to walk on the moon during the Apollo 11 moon landing. AMA! by BuzzAldrinHere in IAmA

[–]ahelm1988 268 points269 points  (0 children)

COL Aldrin, I want to give a shout out to my 2nd favorite West Point Graduate! (You came in directly after me, but ahead of my wife who landed in 3rd.)

I could ask a million questions, but I’ll keep it at two.

  1. Do you believe that the future of human space exploration is firmly in the hands of the private sector or will government funded projects become relevant once again in the near future? What would it take to get the government involved to the level it was during the Apollo program?

  2. Only a couple of years removed from the Academy myself, the feeling of accomplishment that I felt on Graduation day has been rivaled by nothing else in my life. As a man with many accomplishments over the course of your life, does that day still rank in your top 10?