Neil Armstrong recently passed away, and the United States lost a great hero. I can't say that I saw his walk on the moon because I wasn't alive—but, I have seen the clips, and heard his immortal words. With Armstrong's passing, I started thinking about when we will see a person who is blind or visually impaired being launched into space.
On these space missions, there are very specific roles for the personnel onboard. With all of the efforts and focuses on S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) for students who are blind or visually impaired, I believe (and hope) we may see this happen sooner than later. There are many great innovations coming out to provide access to research and information in a laboratory, or even while gathering and analyzing data. It is not unrealistic to say that someone who is blind or visually impaired will make it to space during the next, say, 20 years.
Off the top of my head, I can think of a few people I would like to send into space, and a few of them are qualified and might even be willing to go. And, some of the people are just people that I would like to abandon in space. Oh, I am just kidding. Maybe.
While a lot of opportunities have opened up for persons who are blind or visually impaired, there are a lot more that need to be opened. Who will pave the way? I am willing to be the first cupcake tester in space—sign me up! I know there is a huge need for cupcake testers in space, and I am willing to fill that need. To keep yourself up to speed for the dream job of your choosing, don’t forget to visit AFB CareerConnect.
So, we say goodbye to one national treasure in Neil Armstrong. And, hello to Joe Strechay, the first cupcake tester in space.
Astronaut in space photo courtesy of Shutterstock.
