Geophysicist to Astronaut

Geophysicist to Astronaut Brian Shiro National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration Pacific Tsunami Warning Center Lovington 9th Grade Academy 26 April 2010

Outline
About Me
About my job
Geophysics & Planetary Science
Astronaut preparation
Q&A
Pearls of wisdom

Background
Hometown: Paragould, Arkansas
High School graduate (1996)
Senior Class President
BA, Northwestern University (2000)
Majors: Integrated Science, Geology, Physics
MA, Washington University (2002)
Earth & Planetary Science, PhD study until 2005
Geophysicist with NOAA (2005-present)
Astronaut applicant (2008-2009)
Commander and Scientist, Mars analog missions (2009-2010)
MS, University of North Dakota (2010, exp.)

My job my office

NOAA
NOAA’s Mission: To understand and predict changes in Earth’s environment and conserve and manage coastal and marine resources to meet our Nation’s economic, social, and environmental needs.
NOAA operates the US’s weather satellites, making it one of the largest space agencies in the world.
www.noaa.gov

See the world. Be a scientist.

Colorado - geology

Alaska

Antarctica

Marianas

Anatahan Eruption 11 May 2003 I was the last person on this uninhabited island just 3 days before it erupted. Our team happened to be the first witnesses of the eruption from our boat. before after

“Mars”

What is Geophysics?
Geophysics is the study of the Earth or other planets by quantitative physical methods.
Earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, magnetic fields, mineral resources, atmosphere, deep interior

What does all of this have to do with planetary science?
Earth is a planet!
Techniques used on Earth can be applied to other planets too.
Studying other planets helps us understand the Earth too.
Training on Earth helps us prepare for exploring other planets.

Astronaut Geophysicists Astronaut Drew Feustel -- fixed Hubble Astronaut Jack Schmitt -- last man on the Moon -- senator from NM me

Applying to Be an Astronaut
Need at least a Bachelor’s degree + 5 years experience
Having “operational experience” helps: military, aviation, scuba, etc.
Height, weight, vision restrictions
Applied in 2008; Made it to the “Highly Qualified” stage in 2009.
My level

Astronaut Stats

Private Spaceflight Revolution New Mexico is leading the way: http://www.spaceportamerica.com/

Suborbital Astronaut Training
Classroom learning
Altitude Physiology
Motion & Acceleration Physiology
Space Launch & Reentry
G-Tolerance
Working Under Pressure
Time Management
Distraction Factor Exercise
Microgravity fights
Suborbital Space Flights
Mission-specific
http://www.astronauts4hire.org/

Q&A
Is it cold in space? --Austin Brehm
Yes, about 3K (-273ºC). In sunlight, up to 120ºC.
Can metal rust in space? --Cameron Crawford
No. There is no oxygen to oxide the metal.
Is it true that you are bigger in space? --Demori Aranda
Yes, your body grows in length by 6-8 cm.
How many people have successfully made it to outer space and back? --Lauren Richardson
Over 500

Q&A
How far in space does a satellite have to be before computers on Earth can’t detect it? --Lauren Richardson
We can still detect Voyager I, which was launched in 1977 and is now 113 AU (17 billion km) away.
Do you have to put a lot of time into your job? --Ivan Salcido
Yes, I work about 80 hours per week.
What do you not like about your job? --Kaylyn Simmons
The long, variable hours and bureaucracy
Do you work by yourself or with other people? --Amber Queen
Both

What to Study in School?
Science (geology, physics, chemistry)
Math (as much as you can)
Engineering (aero, mech)
Computers (programming)
Geography
College degree minimum, Usually need graduate degree like Masters or Ph.D.

Life Lessons
Go to college away from home. Stay in the dorm at least a year.
Consider taking a year off before or after college.
Travel as much as you can. Nothing helps you grow more.
Try a variety of fields of study. Summer schools and internships are a good way to do this.
Be flexible, but always have a long range plan.
Anything that can go wrong will, but learn and move on.

Recommended Reading
The Seven Habits Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
Now What?: The Young Person's Guide to Choosing the Perfect Career by Nicholas Lore
Put Your Science to Work: The Take-Charge Career Guide for Scientists by Peter Fiske
Naked Earth: The New Geophysics by Shawna Vogel
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Discoveries in Planetary Science http://dps.aas.org/education/dpsdisc/

Thanks!
Contact:
Brian Shiro
email: [email_address] or [email_address]
blog: http://www.astronautforhire.com
twitter: @brianshiro

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Geophysicist to Astronaut

by Brian Shiro on Apr 26, 2010

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Geophysicist to Astronaut — Presentation Transcript