FOLLOWING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE FATHER OF ROCKET SCIENCE
MAY 9, 2014 2:45PM FATHER OF ROCKET SCIENCE SPEECH
Wernher Von Braun has become something of an idol to me, the “Father of Rocket Science” they call him. After having studied rocket science myself for the past 6 years, that name has become my goal. Rather “Father of Interplanetary Travel” is MY goal. You see, 6 years ago, I witnessed a blood curdling tragedy… the loss of over a dozen brave people. This has inspired me to launch humanity beyond Earth and into the far reaches of our solar system. We will be there sooner than most expect.
This was going to be my graduation speech, however I was not selected to make that speech. Noah Von Braun, grandson to the “Father of Rocket Science” was awarded that honor. His name made him the poster child for Coventry University, though I am valedictorian. Oh well, time to shake some hands and receive my diploma.
MAY 9, 2014 6:31PM GRADUATION DAY
After arriving home, I’ve prepared a small meal to consume whilst working on the designs for my first project: The Seeker. It is a small device, yet a very powerful tool. This device has the sole purpose of finding any living organism, from the orbit of whatever planet it is sent to. I intend to be the first person to find life in space. The Seeker has a titanium frame, with faraday protected electronics within. It is protected by a thin wall of a substance known as graphene. I have installed a telescopic camera and very sophisticated scanning technology. Tonight, I send it into Earth’s orbit for testing.
MAY 9, 2014 9:43PM TEST NIGHT
After preparing my 16 foot tall rocket and its launch pad, I have attached the very first complete Seeker within its self releasing dome. In my head a mock countdown sounds and I press on the ignition switch. Faster than a blink, the rocket soars high into the air and continues till the only noticeable part is the faint glow of the small cone of fire protruding from its single burner. Having been designed, built and tested by me, I knew it would return in exactly 27 minutes. Standing still for 27 minutes may not seem like much, but in this moment it is an eternity. At 27 minutes exactly, there is no sign of my rocket returning. With a feeling of defeat, I make the walk of shame to my study to try to access the video feed.
MAY 9, 2014 11:53PM MY STUDY
Although my rocket had failed to return, I was absolutely pleased that the Seeker had successfully ejected and obtained its orbit! Finally, at almost midnight, I begin receiving the video feed. I feel like doing cartwheels in excitement! The sensors are returning accurate data about humans, dogs, cats… you name it and the Seeker is seeing it. Seeker 1 can even see deep ocean creatures! “Hold on…” a strange reading came through as it passed over the Mariana Trench, the deepest portion of the ocean. Together, Seeker 1 and I have found an entirely new species! I hurriedly begin recording all the details of this once-unknown creature. It’s approximately 6 feet in length, has no eyes and seems to monitor the absolute bottom of the Trench. I have named this creature the Seeker Shark, in honor of my probe. Further analysis shows that it has no teeth and is in fact a filter feeder that looks similar to a Megamouth shark, but with transparent skin… ASTOUNDING!
MAY 11, 2014 9:36AM THE SMITHSONIAN
My discovery of the sea creature aptly named Seeker has brought me the attention of The Smithsonian – just the thing I need in order to get funding for both my Seeker 1 project and the Phoenix project (more on that later). I must present my findings to the Institute and will be recognized in the paper as well as any documentation of this creature. My god, I hate personal publicity. I hope this day goes quickly…
MAY 11, 2014 10:23PM MY STUDY
That went… well. As a result of the massive name they have, the Smithsonian will my face on every major newspaper and magazine that has anything to do with space or marine biology. Lovely… The Seeker 1 project has major funding from NASA as well as the US government now. This should speed things along at a steady clip! Of course, I have another project in the works. This one much, much larger in scale. This project, called Phoenix, is a very large shuttle whose purpose is to bring astronauts to the surface of Mars. It has a crew compartment that will hold 18 crew, with storage for 36 months of rations as well as enough equipment for a small shelter. The first mission will take place by the end of this year.
I will one day be one of those astronauts I so idolized as a child. This is Niles Berkley, signing off.