NASA engineer Lindsay Aitchison, a former Civil Air Patrol cadet, with the latest model space suit designed for America's return trip to the moon.
(Photo by Maj. Larry Gunnell)
2nd Lt. Ada Matthews
Information Technologies Officer
Rio del Fierro Composite Squadron
Texas Wing
TEXAS – A full-sized space suit, a multitude of space accessories and an extremely informative presentation made NASA engineer Lindsay Aitchison’s appearance Aug. 27 in Wichita Falls, hosted by the Rio del Fierro Composite Squadron, memorable for all concerned.
Aitchison made her presentation in a small auditorium at Midwestern State University, made available courtesy of Professor Pat Mitchell, chairman of the mathematics department. Along with Rio del Fierro squadron members and their families, the audience included Southwest Region, Texas Wing and Group II staff.
Aitchison, a former Civil Air Patrol cadet and Wichita Falls native, has been a NASA engineer for seven years. She is assigned to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, where she plays an important role in the lunar exploration program as project engineer and lunar configuration lead for the Constellation Space Suit System Pressure Garment Subsystem -- a crucial component of the space agency’s Constellation Program, intended to take the U.S. back to the moon.
She shared her experiences at NASA and covered the history of the agency’s space suits, from the early years of Project Mercury to the Constellation Program.
”It is all a team effort,” Aitchison emphasized. She added that “besides the astronaut program, NASA has many different job opportunities, ranging from engineering to administration. “
After she spoke, senior members, cadets and guests asked many questions, especially on how to handle the different pieces of space hardware on display.
“I really enjoyed the evening, and Lindsay was such an exciting person,” said Cadet Airman 1st Class Madison Roach.
After the presentation, the South Fort Worth Composite Squadron color guard -- Cadet 2nd Lt. James Staud, Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Bradley Wabbersen, Cadet Airman Alex Ellison and Cadet Airman Basic Jennifer Aguilar --.retired the colors, having opened the gathering by presenting them. Those who wanted to attended a gathering at a friend of Aitchison’s for socializing and cake