My 36 Years In Space - The Extraordinary Journey of Kurth Krause

From the early days of my childhood, the vastness of space had always fascinated me. Little did I know that this curiosity would lead to a remarkable career spanning 36 years, filled with awe-inspiring adventures, groundbreaking discoveries, and life-changing experiences. Join me as I take you through my extraordinary journey in space exploration.

Initiating the Dream

The year was 1985 when I first set foot at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The vivid memories of that day still linger in my mind. The aroma of rocket fuel, the loud echoes of engines, and the sight of astronauts preparing for their missions ignited a fire within me that would burn for decades to come.

My 36 Years in Space

by Kurth Krause (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4282 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	85 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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I dedicated my early years to rigorous training, studying various aspects of astrophysics, spacecraft systems, and survival techniques in zero-gravity environments. Each step brought me closer to fulfilling my dream of venturing beyond Earth's atmosphere.

Breaking the Earth's Bonds

After years of intense preparation, I embarked on my first space mission in 1992. The feeling as the engines ignited, propelling us towards the cosmos, was beyond words. We soared into the heavens, leaving behind the familiar blue orb we call home. The sight of Earth from space is truly breathtaking; a fragile yet majestic planet floating in the vast expanse of stars.

During my time onboard the International Space Station (ISS), I conducted numerous experiments, pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge. From studying the effects of microgravity on plant growth to observing celestial phenomena, every moment was a chance to contribute to our collective understanding of the universe.

Awe-Inspiring Discoveries

As I ventured deeper into space, I had the privilege of witnessing incredible discoveries firsthand. From witnessing the birth of a star in a distant galaxy to observing a black hole devouring matter, these experiences were nothing short of astonishing. They reminded me of the immense beauty and mystery that lies beyond our planet.

One of my most memorable moments was the discovery of an exoplanet capable of sustaining life. We named it "Elysium" - a world where oceans stretched as far as the eye could see. This groundbreaking finding ignited a renewed sense of hope and a flurry of scientific research to explore the potential for interstellar colonization.

A Journey Beyond Science

Space exploration not only broadened my scientific understanding of the universe but also transformed me on a personal level. The isolation of space and the challenges we faced as a team fostered deep bonds among fellow astronauts. Together, we shared moments of laughter, reflection, and perseverance. Every day was a reminder of the incredible strength of human resilience and the power of unity.

Moreover, peering back at Earth from space gave me a unique perspective. The fragile, interconnected nature of our planet became strikingly evident. Seeing the beauty and diversity of our home from afar made me realize the urgent need to protect and preserve it for future generations, spurring me to become an advocate for environmental conservation.

Returning Home

In 2021, after an unforgettable 36-year journey in space, I took my final steps on Earth as an active astronaut. Though stepping away from the adventures that had become an integral part of my life seemed daunting, I am grateful for the immense wealth of experiences I gained.

Today, I continue to share my knowledge and passion for space exploration through lectures, books, and mentorship programs. My hope is to inspire young minds to reach for the stars, just as I did all those years ago.

Inspiring a Future of Explorers

As I reflect on my remarkable journey, I am filled with wonder and gratitude for the opportunities I had and the knowledge I gained during my 36 years in space. The unexplored realms of the universe hold endless possibilities for discovery and growth.

Whether it's unraveling the secrets of distant galaxies or understanding the intricacies of our own planet, the pursuit of knowledge and exploration will forever fuel our collective curiosity. I encourage every dreamer, scientist, and adventurer to venture into the unknown and leave their mark on the vast canvas of space.

My 36 Years in Space

by Kurth Krause (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4282 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	85 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

My 36 Years in Space is a behind-the-scenes view of the exciting career of a pioneer in NASA's manned space programs. It describes the breakthroughs of a young engineer in writing flight software to guide astronauts to the moon, his heart-pounding experience in watching the Apollo 11 launch at the Cape, and his breathtaking moments in NASA's Mission Control Center while Armstrong and Aldrin dealt with computer alarms when they descended to the moon for the first time. His fun-filled relationships with his astronaut neighbors are unique. Kurth's firsthand account of his successful rise to General Manager of the Aerospace Systems Group in the Shuttle and Space Station era contrasts with his sudden fall to the unemployed at age 52. The reader experiences his struggle through the aerospace recession, before pulling himself back up with achievements in the USAF spy satellite programs prior to his retirement with TRW in 1999.

Professional Review by Online Bool Club:

10 … 9 ... 8 ... Engine Ignition! 7 ... ... 4 ... 3 ... 2 ... We have liftoff!

This countdown would launch Apollo 11 toward a mission the media called "the greatest accomplishment of the decade." On July 20, 1969, man first stepped on the Moon, a historical event watched around the world. Through the lens of Kurth Krause's space engineering career, readers come to know how events unfolded during one of the most dangerous space missions ever attempted, as highlighted in My 36 Years in Space: An Astronautical Engineer's Journey through the Triumphs and Tragedies of America's Space Programs. A team of masterminds managed to land two astronauts on the Moon's surface. But would they be able to bring them back safely?

Launching a rocket into space is a complex process, but it is not as complicated as guiding it back to Earth from another celestial body in our solar system, such as the Moon. As a young engineer, Kurth Krause is tasked to develop an onboard program to be used on the Command Module (CM) and the Lunar Module (LM) to facilitate a return-to-earth mission during the Apollo Era. It all begins in a rather technologically primitive period when computer science, missile engineering curricula, and space science were still limited. Krause highlights some of the challenges and space achievements that America went through at a time when the space race was a determinant for global dominance and supremacy. In addition, the writer gives a glimpse into his personal family life and how he balanced this with his highly demanding work....in the end, a feeling of absolute marvel took over me. It was impressive.

Krause thoroughly describes the difficult mission and the amazing triumph of Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and the entire space crew. I imagined how glorious this event must have been — especially viewing it live in 1969. I thought of Neil Armstrong's first words while stepping down on lunar soil: "One small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind."

I encountered no grammatical errors, and the well-edited book allowed for easy reading. The absence of expletives was no surprise for a book of this class. The author also made good use of pictures, which made it easier for me to grasp the scientific concepts being described. My 36 Years in Space, by Kurth Krause, deeply deserves a 4 out of 4 stars rating to the moon and back.