Is there an adrenaline rush that goes along with doing that type of work, making real-time decisions?
Mark: Oh, yeah. I’ve had a few times where I’ve been able to talk on the loops. And every time I do that, it’s just, you get all excited and sometimes you just hope you don’t mess up because everybody can hear it. It’s definitely an adrenaline rush. Every time I walk in the doors to Mission Control, the front doors — they’re just so cool — it says “Mission Control Center” right on the front. You swipe your badge. You walk in there. You just feel like this is where I’m supposed to be. I’m doing something really cool. It’s almost as if you’re walking onto a game field, like if you’ve ever played any kind of sports. I get that same feeling every time I walk into Mission Control. It’s a game field. Deana: What’s the best part of working with NASA? Mark: I had just imagined just being there, working in Mission Control, just being one of the coolest things. Working with astronauts, being able to communicate with them — they’re great people. I really enjoy all the people who work at NASA.
