RS: Curiosity is just the first step to pursuing a career
in space exploration, whether it be from terra firma
or from the zero-G environment of space itself. What
is your advice for those dreaming of going into space
themselves?
ADAMS: “Two things. In the short term if you want to
be an astronaut for NASA, make sure you study math,
science and engineering. It is incredibly important. It
develops the discipline of thinking that is extremely
helpful for people who want to be astronauts. Which
by the way I should go on record as saying I am not an
astronaut, but I know a lot of them.
RS: When it comes to memorable moments, you don’t
really seem to need time to reflect and rank moments
do you? What are the most exciting parts of every
space mission?
ADAMS: “Anytime I see something take off. Any launch.
Even if its not mine.
The launch of the STEREO mission in 2006 was
extremely poignant for me, because of just how hard
everyone had worked to get those two satellites to
Kennedy Space Center, then on the Delta to launch,
and just how outrageously successful they were. It is the
effort and the energy and the intention of people, a
team, that goes into those machines that ride on top
of the rocket. At the launch you remember everybody
and everything that brought you to the moment of
overcoming Earth’s gravity. As soon as the flames start
at the bottom of the rocket, you realize there is not
Investment in space creates
innovation that allows us to have
things like cell phones, lasers,
lightweight blankets, advanced
materials, and a variety of robotics.
The list just goes on and on. I
believe that NASA is crucial to the
advancement of technology right
here on Earth, even though we’re
working on things in space.
Jim Adams speaks during a news briefing to discuss the Dawn spacecraft’s yearlong visit to the asteroid Vesta, the first prolonged encounter with a main belt
asteroid and the first trip to a protoplanet.
Credit: NASA/Paul E. Aler 0