February 26, 2025 2:15pm EST
Finally, I slept a solid 7 hours. Free from the stress and anticipation of going to space, being followed by cameras, training, getting it right, and being a good team player. I met with the geniuses who built and tested the rocket and mission control and was able to recount to them what I experienced. I don’t think anything I said surprised them.
A strange and mutual unspoken feeling was shared between Lane, Richard, and myself as we were paraded in front of these people. We were in awe of them. The applause was not being properly directed and we felt like we had done nothing to deserve it. I told them what they were doing was noble and cutting edge; it was nothing they didn’t already know.
I saw Flight Director Michelle Christensen again, seated with her team in front of me. She asked if there was anything about the experience that I didn’t expect.
I had never done this before, so everything was essentially unexpected. I told her the biggest aspect I didn’t realize was how much mental preparation I needed. I was relieved when my two other crewmates nodded their heads in agreement. Mental gymnastics, clearing schedules, and meditation all allowed me to achieve a level-headed calm about the situation.
All I want to do is climb back in and go up there again.