11.17.17

Today we chatted as a group about Mars mission and Mars habitat development, as well as moon base model development. Over last weekend, I volunteered at the Keck open house at the flasher pin creation activity. We helped over 200 kids solder components to circuit boards, which was just as stressful as you'd think it would be. Luckily, we did not have to bust out the first-aid kit or rush anyone across the street to the ER (although one kid started to pick up the soldering iron by the tip RIGHT AFTER I HAD FINISHED TELLING HIM NOT TO). I worked a double shift at the exhibit, and got to know the Keck engineers assigned to the unit pretty well. Joe Gargiulo (Kate's dad) was the director, and I gave one guy named Ben the nickname "Bengineer," which stuck throughout the entire eight-hour open house. I talked to Joe about creating a 3D model of the telescope and possible VR tours, and he proposed a trip to the Keck-sponsored trip to the summit for interested HPA volunteers. I have since emailed him about it, and told him that December 7th or 8th would be ideal.