My 2014 “Best Of” begins with attending the Deep Space Network 50th Anniversary (DSN50) NASASocial. All my life, I have loved science and specifically anything to do with space, so finding out I had been selected to attend a NASASocial was a dream come true.
I could not include all the pics I took in this post, so be sure to check them out them out here or you can click on the links that follow.
The DSN50 NASASocial was a two-day event that was part of the yearlong celebration of the 50th anniversary of NASA’s Deep Space Network (DSN).
I knew what to expect because the NASASocial team emailed a detailed schedule but I did not expect how life-changing an experience those two days would be.
Day 1 at NASA/JPL featured the DSN50 NASASocial speaker program (simulcast on NASA TV and Ustream), tours of JPL including the Mars Yard, Spacecraft Assembly Facility, Museum and the JPL Gift Store.
Day 2 took place in Barstow with a 6:15 am meet-up to head to Goldstone, so I decided to drive out there right after Day 1 wrapped up. An easy enough drive made way more interesting by Google Maps giving me an alternate route way off the main highway. A little scary since I was by myself, driving in place I have never been to before, but cool as I did get to see the desert blossoms.
Dinner in Barstow with fellow DSN50 NASASocial members more than made up for an interesting drive. I can’t remember what I ate but I do remember have great conversations with the most diverse, engaging, super-talented people I have met far. I was so busy talking, I never took any pics but thankfully, fellow member James Lundblad shared his pics of us!
Day 2 at the Goldstone Deep Space Communication Complex (GDCC) was all about the antennas and the groundbreaking, outstanding work they do communicating with the spacecraft that are currently exploring our solar system as well as radar mapping quasars, comets and asteroids.
As someone who appreciates design and art, I must note how truly beautiful the antennas are.
We were also able to attend the Goldstone DSN 50th Anniversary commemoration ceremony which was a great honor.
It was a special two days and not only did I get to see some of the world’s greatest technology at NASA/JPL and GDCC in action, I also made great new friends!