Vertical Projectile
Personal Input
With my experience last year as the captain of my TARC team, I thought I was ready to move on to a bigger challenge. I joined this NASA SL team expecting a fulfilled and worthwhile experience, and it was nothing short of my expectations.
The rigor and complexity of NASA SL hit me hard when I was writing a detailed proposal on not only the rocket but also the payload. I wasn’t fazed, however, because I have developed an interest in our payload idea of a rover that could detect color. As I was tasked with the payload section of this project, I was mainly focused on just the problems and progress of our rover and release. Gradually, I learned that rocketry requires a limited, back and forth communication between group members of different sections. We are each assigned a different role and section that and reliant upon other roles. Therefore, there needs to be a constant communication cycle as I am constantly asking “What do you need,” “what do you want,” and “what do I have?”
These introspective questions had lead to self-awareness. Previously, I tried to find solutions to every problem only through members of my own section, which led to conflicts and unwanted complications with the other sections. However, by collaborating with others, I have been able to draw upon my strengths to not only help myself but others. Finally, I have learned to use introspection and open communication to ask others for help in areas of their expertise. All of these soft skills are just as important as the technical skills for a successful launch.