How imagination and initiative equal positive differences in our communities.

• Leadership – in Space and on Earth March 17, 2025

  This post and podcast are not, in any way, shape or form, affiliated with, nor endorsed by, NASA. We are NOT employed by NASA. We just think this is very cool stuff, during an exciting time to be alive!

  

  In honor of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10’s successful flight to the ISS, this week we’re reposting our 2024 interview with NASA Astronaut and retired U.S. Navy Captain Stephen G. Bowen.

  As the world watches the activities of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 what is life like, aboard the International Space Station?

  NASA Astronaut and retired U.S. Navy Captain Stephen G. Bowen can certainly answer that question.

  Steve has flown four separate missions aboard the International Space Station. Most recently, he served as commander aboard NASA’s SpaceX Crew-6 mission to the ISS, in 2023. Over the course of his career, he has conducted 10 spacewalks. In all, he’s logged a cumulative total of 227 days in space.

  

  Team lessons on leadership

  And the best part of it, he says, is getting to work with his fellow astronauts towards the goals of each mission.

  “There is no better feeling you’ll have in life, than achieving something or succeeding as a team,” he says.

  In fact, those achievements included rebuilding parts of the ISS!

  Steve says that his first three flights on the International Space Station included bringing up the galley for the U.S. side, a module for the Russian side and a new stowage module for equipment.

  In addition, Steve and his crew members were involved in some very exciting research projects, from around the world, that could have some exciting implications for medical science in the future.

  “What we learn on orbit really informs how we understand the world,” he explains.

  In this interview, recorded in early 2024, Steve talked about his background, offered a look at life aboard the International Space Station and explained some of the ways astronauts’ work in space can improve life on Earth.

  On this edition of Over Coffee® we cover:

  • Steve’s recollections of his growing-up years, which led to his becoming a submarine officer, and ultimately an astronaut;

  • What it’s like to launch to the ISS;

  • What the realities are, of serving as commander of a NASA spaceflight (as opposed to the way this role is portrayed in movies and television);

  • One of the best leadership lessons Steve has learned, both from working aboard the ISS and from his fourteen years in the Submarine Force;

  • What living aboard the ISS was like for Steve, in quarters he had helped to rebuild previously;

  • One fun, playful experience the crew had aboard the International Space Station!;

  • A closer look at the research experiments in which Steve and the crew were engaged aboard the ISS;

  • What some of this work could mean to the medical profession, in the future;

  • What’s involved, when guest vehicles arrive at, and depart from, the International Space Station;

  • One of his favorite ways in which he was able to use his creativity as a problem solver in space;

  • One “not-according-to-script” moment he and his fellow astronauts had to troubleshoot during a spacewalk;

  • How astronauts deal with the motion sickness that can come with space travel (and with returning to gravity!);

  • Resources Steve would recommend, and his advice to aspiring astronauts.

  Continue reading →
• Space, Dreams and Artemis March 3, 2025

  This post and podcast are not, in any way, shape or form, affiliated with, nor endorsed by, NASA. We are not employed by, or otherwise connected with, NASA. We just find this very exciting stuff!

  

  In honor of Anne C. McClain’s return to space with NASA’s Crew-10 mission, this week we’re reposting our 2023 interview with her about her career and achieving her dreams. Safe journey to Anne and her crew, and we’ll be watching and cheering!

  NASA’s Space-X Crew-10 mission, has a targeted launch time of 7:48 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, March 12th, according to NASA’s website.

  “It was a dream ever since I was little,” says NASA Astronaut and U.S. Army Colonel Anne C. McClain, of her space career.

  On March 12th, 2025, she’s scheduled to experience the next chapter of that dream.

  As the SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket and Dragon spacecraft launch from Florida’s Kennedy Space Center, Anne will be serving as commander of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 mission to the International Space Station.

  However, that’s only one exciting aspect of her assignment.

  Far-reaching vision

  Anne is one of eighteen astronauts selected for training for NASA’s Artemis missions. Along with her colleagues, she is preparing, for NASA’s return to the Moon and their ultimate goals: to establish a lunar outpost and prepare for human missions to Mars.

  And there are no blueprints for the groundbreaking missions. Consequently, Anne and her colleagues are discovering what equipment and procedures will be needed for Artemis–which is very different from preparing to fly aboard the ISS.

  “It’s not just about training for space; it’s figuring out what you need, to train for space,” she explains.

  The Crew-10 mission will be Anne’s second spaceflight.

  December, 2018, marked Anne’s first launch, as flight engineer for ISS Missions 58 and 59. During her six months aboard the International Space Station, she served as the lead on two spacewalks.

  Her journey to the stars

  On the way to her ultimate goal of becoming an astronaut, Anne garnered numerous professional accomplishments and accolades.

  Commissioned as an Army officer in 2002, she is a Master Army Aviator and Experimental Test Pilot. Her flight experience includes more than 2,000 hours in 20 different types of aircraft. Her professional honors include the Dennis Hart Mahan Memorial Award for excellence in Aeronautical Engineering, as well as Honorary Doctorates of Engineering from both the University of Bath and the University of Bristol.

  And her NASA experience includes serving as an Instructor Astronaut in three different areas: Robotics, EVA, and CAPCOM.

  During our 2023 conversation about her career and her spaceflight preparations, Anne shared, not only her story, but a great “blueprint” for anyone who would like to achieve their dreams.

  On this edition of Over Coffee® we cover:

  • How Anne first became inspired to become an astronaut;

  • The factor that enabled her to reach her “impractical” dream;

  • Her process, in achieving her goal;

  • Her favorite aspects of being a NASA astronaut;

  • What daily life is like, aboard the International Space Station;

  • The types of risk mitigation that especially apply to the Artemis missions;

  • Some of the considerations of CAPCOM, or training of the Capsule Communicator;

  • A closer look at some of the technology in use;

  • Anne’s favorite story from her experiences, so far, in preparation for Artemis;

  • What’s involved in choosing space suits for the Moon!

  Continue reading →
• The Magic Continues February 5, 2025

  by Dot Cannon

  

  What would be the theme of Pasadena’s 2026 Rose Parade®?

  On Tuesday evening, we eagerly waited to find out.

  Pasadena Tournament of Roses®’ YouTube channel would live stream the announcement at 8 p.m., Pacific time.

  The number of watchers standing by the announcement steadily climbed, as the time approached.

  At 8:00, 2026 Tournament of Roses® President Mark Leavens stepped up to the podium.

  Standing before a background of red roses, President Leavens began with an acknowledgement of his community’s current circumstances.

  “Our hearts are with all those whose lives have been affected by the devastating fires,” he said.

  “We also want to thank the first responders who rushed into harm’s way to save lives, and all those in our community who worked tirelessly since, to help the fire victims.”

  President Leavens reaffirmed the Tournament of Roses® Association’s commitment to assisting in the recovery and rebuilding efforts, following the January wildfires.

  “We stand with our community. We stand ‘Dena strong,” he continued.

  His announcement of the 2026 theme would reflect that commitment.

  A community’s strength

  

  “(As I thought about the parade theme), I kept coming back to the fact that our greatest achievements in life are not done alone,” President Leavens said.

  “I realize that when we work together, we can accomplish great things.

  “…Each January first, the world looks to Pasadena to celebrate the joy and hope of new beginnings, and New Year’s Day, 2026, will be no different.

  “…The Tournament of Roses® stands ready to help our community recover and rebuild, and on January first, 2026, we know our community will come together to show the world that New Year’s Day in Pasadena, it’s still magical.

  “To deliver on that promise, I’m proud to announce…this year’s 2026 Rose Parade® theme is ‘The Magic in Teamwork'”.

  

  “…We look forward to seeing you in Pasadena on New Year’s Day, 2026.”

  Cheers and applause followed his invitation.

  We agree–Pasadena Tournament of Roses®, and the Rose Parade® are magical! And always will be.

  We look forward to January 1, 2026, as they demonstrate that magic in action.

  Continue reading →