February 14, 2025
The anticipation is palpable. It fills my every thought, every action, and hovers in the air just above my skin. I can feel it all around me as I move about. I have been given a date. I’m going to space! The grin on my face must be absolutely dorky but luckily I’m not someone who looks in the mirror much.
I have met my crewmates via a Zoom astronaut meet-and-greet. Upon accessing my online astronaut portal, I am greeted with the words “Astronaut Elaine.” There, I can buy artifacts from my flight like pieces of the rocket and various models and replicas.
Yesterday, I met with primary school kids who interviewed me about my upcoming trip. They stood in line for my autograph. I wrote “See you in space! – Elaine Hyde” on little pieces of paper and they looked adoringly at me with eyes full of wonder. In that instant, I didn’t need to go to space anymore. I wanted time to stop, frozen in that moment.
Onward.