Ticket to Mars

Last Mission Dress Rehearsal?

It just occurred to me.  I am on the last night of performing in what is possibly my last Mission Dress Rehearsal, or MDR.  MDRs are where the spacecraft launch team proves to the customer they are ready to go, that the team is ready to perform the launch and early orbit operations with competence, the facilities are up for the effort, the procedures to be used on the spacecraft are safe and effective.

After nearly 39 years, this will be my 18^th MDR, by my count.  I’ve helped place into orbit approximately 25 spacecraft so far, most as part of the launch team, some as auxiliary help.  One more to go this summer.  Maybe two more if I stick around for the 2020 launch.  Depends on things.