Scott Kelly at the Granada

Some of our readers might be aware of the historic experience of Captain Scott Kelly, the American astronaut who spent approximately a year on the International Space Station. Captain Kelly carried out over 400 scientific experiments in his time in orbit, did several spacewalks, and took hundreds of incredible photos. Since his return, he has toured round to various locations and shared about his experiences.

Providence has three Scotts of its own, and one of them--Dr. Scott Lisea--reached out to the Engineering Academy to invite some of the top students to attend one of Captain Kelly's presentations at the Granada. Jake and Kylie accepted the invitation with pleasure, and Mr. Meadth came along as well.

Captain Kelly was good enough to pose with Kylie and Jake

for a quick photo after the event

Scott Kelly was warm, engaging, and full of good humor. He described how he lacked motivation and discipline during his elementary and secondary schooling, and that his outlook changed when he read the stories of earlier NASA astronauts. He encouraged the audience to do what any good astronaut does: ignore the things they can't change, and focus on what they can. He described the physical and psychological challenges of living in an isolated structure for so long, and how he gained a strong friendship with his Russian cosmonaut partners.

Thanks again to Dr. Lisea for providing this special opportunity for our students, and thanks to Captain Kelly for setting a strong example of leadership and persistence.

Guest Speaker: Nathan Gates

Last Friday, our Foundations of Engineering II group was privileged to hear from retired aerospace engineer Dr. Nathan Gates. Dr. Gates has worked for many years at Astro Aerospace, based in Carpinteria, and is recently retired.

Dr Gates shows a telescoping boom design that he worked on

Dr. Gates' impressive career was mainly focused on thin, light, graphite structures, such as those used on spacecraft and satellites. His specialty was "deployable" structures, which are launched in a folded-up configuration and then unpackage once in orbit. One recent project will unfold over two weeks to the size of a tennis court, despite being launched in a payload cylinder only a few meters wide.

Students eagerly listening to tales of projects past!

Dr. Gates ended his stories with a memorable reference to Eric Liddell, the Scottish Olympic athlete, who famously stated "when I run, I feel His pleasure." Dr. Gates has worked for years in the aerospace industry to the best of his ability, designing and creating in imitation of the Great Creator, feeling His pleasure, and living Coram Deo—before the face of God. Our students would do well to take heed.

We are very grateful to Dr. Nathan Gates for sharing with us, and hope to have him again soon!