." From my earliest childhood years, trip had consistently captivated me. I endured in the boonies and also the fields, so I failed to have neighbors to go and also play with. If I had not been operating, I was delegated to my own gadgets, and frequently, I would simply be captivated by the wildlife and also specifically, the raptorial birds that I would certainly view." To me, they worked with a liberty of some kind or yet another. These birds and also the view they possess-- they may take in a lot. So, coming from that aspect on, I knew I would like to be involved in tour and also air travel." I [enjoyed] all factors air travel, all factors spaceflight. I could not receive enough of it. I became a devoted viewers, whereas previously, I wasn't much of a visitor. I couldn't get enough component to read about my heroes coming from flight as well as room. They became my good example as well as the course that they took involved, eventually or even yet another, a rather strenuous education and learning and also dedication to accomplish properly academically, literally, or even athletically. Thus, I tossed myself right into that entire type of perspective." When I was working for the Aviation service, I was able to fly and deal with aircraft that I would fantasize around, considering in the publications Flying Full week as well as Area Technology. Listed here they are actually, best facing me." ... So, my career has been actually as close as feasible to that of a flight examination designer. And afterwards, precisely the heels of being actually astounded through climatic trip, working in human spaceflight has put me over the Moon.".-- Dr. Donald Mendoza, Principal Designer, NASA Design & Safety And Security Center, NASA's Ames Proving ground.Graphic Credit Score: NASA/Dominic HartInterviewer: NASA/Thalia Patrinos.Look into some of our other Images of NASA.