NASA’s Byerly Meets with Students
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