6-27-08

While seven astronauts prepared to begin their journey into space, two Lycoming College students, senior Jessica Bugno and May 2008 graduate Tara Tubbs, and their advisor, Dr. David G. Fisher, professor of physics and astronomy, were also anticipating an experience that is out of this world. At 5:02 p.m., Saturday, May 31, Bugno, Tubbs and Fisher witnessed the space shuttle Discovery depart from its launch station in Cape Canaveral, Fla.

The shuttle Discovery’s launch began a 13-day mission to aid in the installation of the Japanese experiment module known as Kibo. According to Spaceflight Now, the leading source of online space news, the pressurized laboratory module is the largest of the International Space Station, and one of the largest payloads ever launched by the space shuttle. Upon its safe return to Earth June 14, the shuttle had completed 217 orbits and travelled 5.7 million miles.

While in Florida, Bugno, Tubbs and Fisher had the opportunity not only to witness the launch in person, but they also took full advantage of the multiple NASA facilities in the area.

“We toured Kennedy Space and Flight Center, which in itself is worth the trip,” Tubbs said. “We took a tour of the

launch pad and nearby facilities, and we went to the Astronaut Hall of Fame.”

Despite the multiple faucets of education and entertainment the students experienced, nothing could compare with the shock to their senses when they witnessed their very first shuttle launch.

“For me, the best part of the whole event was experiencing the reality of a launch,” Tubbs said. “You see space shuttle launches on CNN and other television stations, but it’s really put into perspective when you’re physically there. The rumble of the rocket, the people cheering and the rate at which it disappears into space validates the greatness of our technological advances. It makes you feel proud of humanity’s achievement to understand the physics of our world. It’s one of the most amazing experiences someone can have.”

Bugno, who will have quite the experience to share with fellow astronomy students upon her return to Lycoming in August, found that one aspect of the launch she wasn’t fond of was how little time the shuttle actually spent flying skyward within view of spectators.

“It was amazing to see it light up and take off,” Bugno said. “It all happened so quickly, unfortunately. Eventually, it looked like a bright star in the sky, and then it was gone.”

Along with the amazing view of the shuttle launch, the students developed a new appreciation for what news stations don’t broadcast.

“I learned that team work is the most important part of a launch,” Tubbs said. “It’s amazing how many people are involved in sending seven astronauts into space. What most people don’t get to see are the scientists, engineers and laborers that are just as involved as anyone else.”

Lycoming is proud to recognize that Bugno and Tubbs weren’t its only students anticipating the launch of space shuttle Discovery on scene in Cape Canaveral. Former student Renee Ross, who studied astronomy and physics at Lycoming from 1991-93, was lead Flight Data File coordinator for the launch of space shuttle Discovery. She prepares the work day schedule documentation for the astronauts, a job that entails working very closely with them during training. It also demands the ability to scramble to deal with changes in the schedule during the actual flight.

Another Lycoming graduate, Nicholas O’Dosey ’94, works as a Rendezvous Officer for Mission Control. Although he was unable to work during the launch of Discovery, he will be the lead Rendezvous Officer for the upcoming Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission, which will require the launch of shuttle Atlantis in early October. His main responsibilities will include involvement when the shuttle approaches and repairs the Hubble Telescope. The task is expected to take the duration of five trips outside the safety of the space shuttle known as spacewalks.

The thrill of witnessing the launch not only exhilarated the two students, but for Bugno, it’s validated her past years of study as an astronomy major at Lycoming.

“My ultimate goal is to fly in space, whether through NASA or a private space flight industry,” Bugno said. “Lycoming has helped me achieve such things as Research Experience for Undergrads and I’m currently a REU student at Brigham Young University.”

Although the launch was a moving experience for Tubbs, she desires to work in the acoustics field. She spent her 2007 summer at BYU working as an acoustics engineer intern.

Now with a bachelor’s degree in astronomy and physics, Tubbs is moving on to obtain a master’s degree in acoustics at Pennsylvania State University and working in the Applied Research Laboratory in the Sonar Research and Development Group. The group, funded by the United States Navy, is responsible for the design of precision sonar sensors that are placed on the heads of torpedoes, allowing the torpedoes to accurately navigate and hone in on specific targets. 

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