NASA Public Affairs Officer Josh Byerly took a break from
preparing to narrate Space Shuttle Discovery's last launch to talk
with some science and technology journalism (STJR) students.
Byerly told the students that as a spokesman for NASA, he
must stay on top of the space science being done in the United
States and around the world.
He also said that in preparing to narrate space shuttle
launches, he rehearses many possible scenarios, so he can adapt his
coverage as needed as the launch progresses.
Over dinner, Byerly talked with members of the program about the
perks that come with being one of "the voices of mission control."
These have included meeting astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz
Aldrin, holding the Genesis Rock (one of the oldest rocks known),
and appearing-briefly-in an IMAX film about the Hubble Space
Telescope.
While passing around an original astronaut helmet, Byerly
advised STJR students to follow their ambitions, regardless of how
far-fetched they may seem. He is living proof that the wildest
ambitions can come true: A few years back, when he was asked to
describe his ideal job, he wrote "public affairs officer at
NASA."
STJR student
Alejandra Arreola Triana and Josh Byerly