2017 NASA astronaut candidate Kayla Barron practices procedures during T-38 flight simulator training in Houston . Photo Credit : ( NASA / James Blair )
· Aviate - fly the plane — which applies to not only flying a space vehicle , but also operating robotic arms , conducting spacewalks , and completing complicated science tasks .
· Navigate - get the plane from an airport to the destination , taking into consideration weather conditions , fuel consumption , and alternate landing sites along the way . This applies to understanding the steps needed for space vehicle operations , as well as robotic arm maneuvers , spacewalks , and other science and engineering tasks .
· Communicate - talk within the cockpit , as well as with air traffic control , developing the same type of clear communication needed while working in space .
Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger is using the Shuttle Remote Manipulator System ( SRMS ) trainer in the virtual reality lab at Johnson Space Center .
Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger and Ricky Arnold ( Group 19 ) are in a guidance and navigation class with fellow astronaut candidates .
Flying in the T-38 is like combining your math class with meteorology , language arts , and engineering . It ’ s a lot of work but so exciting and rewarding !
12 LET ’ S GO AEROSPACE