NASA Deputy Administrator, Pam Melroy, recently spoke about the Apollo program and her own journey to space exploration during a recent interview. Reflecting on the historical significance of the Apollo missions, Melroy acknowledged that while no women have yet walked on the moon, the upcoming Artemis campaign aims to change that narrative.
Melroy expressed her deep admiration for the Apollo program, stating that it served as a major source of inspiration for her as a young girl. She noted the profound impact that the program had on countless scientists, pilots, and engineers, whose careers were also shaped by the monumental achievement of sending a man to the moon and returning him safely to Earth.
Highlighting the potential impact of the Artemis campaign, Melroy believes that it will ignite a widespread interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and space exploration, particularly among young people. She expressed her excitement at the prospect of witnessing a tidal wave of enthusiasm from aspiring space explorers from across the globe.
When asked about her own journey to becoming a part of the space industry, Melroy disclosed that she had aspired to follow in the footsteps of the military jet test pilots who were the astronauts she knew of during her earlier years. Despite the challenges women faced in pursuing a career in flying at the time, Melroy was determined to break barriers and set her sights on becoming a test pilot herself.
Luckily, Melroy found herself in the right place at the right time. The doors of opportunity began to open for women in aviation just as she was embarking on her career. This allowed her to join the Air Force as a pilot and eventually become a test pilot, paving the way for her journey to becoming an astronaut.
The conversation then turned to the thrilling and daredevil nature of being a test pilot. Melroy alluded to the excitement, danger, and sheer fun that being a test pilot entails, likening it to the adrenaline-fueled world depicted in the movie 'Top Gun.'
In conclusion, Pam Melroy, Deputy Administrator at NASA, shared her admiration for the Apollo program and its profound impact on the scientific community. She expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming Artemis campaign, which she believes will inspire a new generation of space enthusiasts, while also reflecting on her own journey to becoming an astronaut. Melroy's ascent to the stars serves as a testament to the progress made in gender equality within the space industry and offers hope for a future that includes women walking on the moon.
