(Video: High-resolution rendering of the entry descent and landing of the Mars Exploration Rovers Spirit and Opportunity. Done for NASA/JPL in 2003. Created by Dan Maas, Cornell University)
In the beginning:
The fascination with space exploration came very early to me – at around 9 years old. I read both science and science fiction with equal intensity, developed rocket fuel in my parents’ basement, and observed the stars through the telescope from our backyard. Little could I have predicted my career to come.
From a young age I was fascinated by the possibility of making music.
I started on a baritone ukulele when I was about 9 years old and my enthusiasm to practice and perform only grew from there. From my days in Nashville to today, playing the guitar has been a tremendous joy and outlet for creativity.
Explore all the musical roads I’ve ventured - past and present - on my YouTube channel!
Award-winning Author:
Though I’m proud of having been given the authority and responsibility through the years of leading larger and larger organizations with more people and larger budgets, I think what I did at NASA with the Mars Exploration Program has stood the test of time and produced some extraordinary results. Where it’s headed gives me a lot of satisfaction.