The New Castle astronaut heads for the space station in 2019



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NEW CASTLE, Pennsylvania (AP) – Lieutenant-Colonel Andrew Morgan has always dreamed of going into space. In July 2019, his dream comes true

Morgan, who has always called New Castle home because of deep family ties despite that he has never lived there, will live and work at the Space Station international, orbiting 245 miles above the Earth's surface, as part of a seven-month mission.

He was selected by NASA to become an astronaut in 2013, hoping to go into space after spending nearly a decade training. Morgan completed a space mission in six years.

"It's a great relief, but also extremely exciting," Morgan said to go into space. "When my clbad was selected five years ago, we were told that it could be eight to ten years before we went into space and that I would have flown in space in six years, exceeding expectations.


Morgan is scheduled to launch on Soyuz 59S in the summer of 2019 and will serve as a flight engineer for Expeditions 60 and 61.


He was humiliated upon learning that he would represent his country in space

"However, I am in the space, I do it as a real honor," Morgan said. "NASA has chosen us to do this on behalf of the country and the planet. ISIS is an international effort. It is the most magnificent example of international cooperation."

EXPERIMENTAL LIFE

Morgan knows the nature of the experiments he will participate on board the space station, and his medical backgrounds fit in perfectly with some of the projects.

"I do not know exactly, but I know in general," Morgan said. "There are always experiments on board, it's a national laboratory that constantly runs all kinds of scientific experiments – physics and biomedical make up the largest proportion."


"Biomedical science I can speak more specifically because of my medical problems Context: We are the subjects of experiments, and we are interested in how plants and animals react to microgravity over a long period of time. We want to explore space and we need to learn more about how our body reacts to microgravity. "

SPACE TRAINING

Although Morgan never stops coaching for missions, it works to hone the skills that will be vital. "" There is very little training, I have not had any training during my initial training, "Morgan said. study the Russian language as English and Russian are the most spoken languages ​​on the International Space Station.We do training in robotics to capture the sightseeing vehicles, supporting walks in the area. e space, another important skill that I will continue to perfect. "

Although all training requires concentration, nothing more than space." The walks in the space are very dangerous and are very important work because of the repairs that can not be performed by astronauts, "said Morgan," We are studying space station systems and how to respond in an emergency. "

" I'm learning to live in the city " Space, exercising, maintaining a food supply and stewardship onboard, "said Morgan," There are many things we need to remember. "

FIRST STEP IN A NEW FRONTIER

The most exciting aspect of being onboard the International Space Station for Morgan is this first spacewalk

"The most important moment is when we're going out, especially this first time, "Morgan said out of the airlock and r the Earth below me, it will be breathtaking.

"I think of all the things I will do in space, which will be the most demanding, physically and mentally.Many space walks are planned.I can do several. actively with one of my teammates who will be with me, who is an experienced Italian astronaut. "

On board the International Space Station, the gravity is significantly lower than that of the Earth. "One of the main ways to train for space walks, we have a very large indoor pool 40 feet deep," said Morgan, "it's a neutral lab of bouyancy with mock pieces. "We wear the diving suit, we pressurize it, it creates the illusion of micro-gravity, we are supported by a team of divers who take up the task to make it real."

EXPECTATIONS

Spaceflight is an aspect of life that few people can experience, and Morgan is ready to savor it.

"I'm looking forward to having … a seven-month experience in a life with some good teammates where we trained However, there is an opportunity that Morgan will not let go:

"There is a window looking down on the Earth, and we are doing an orbit. every hour and a half, and I'm looking forward to seeing the entire planet, "said Morgan." I'm really looking forward to doing this spacewalk, I've always relished a challenge, and that's what it's all about. " is one of the greatest I've ever faced. "

SOCIAL EXPERIENCE

While Morgan is in space, he hopes that he brings together a broad Western Pennsylvania public on social networks, especially Twitter, where it has become customary for astronauts to share photos of the Earth from their roost perched high in the atmosphere.

"I "I'm waiting to share some of my images and thoughts on social media," Morgan said. "I would really like to have a follow-up of western Pennsylvania and spark interest in this part of the world. country. "

" What's unique is that I'm going to launch on a Russian vehicle and there's a good chance we're going to Let's see some of the first test flights of the upcoming SpaceX US vehicles and the Boeing Starliner CST. Both could make visits to the International Space Station, which will be quite historic.

"These flights will be among the first missions launched from the ground in the United States since the withdrawal of the Space Shuttle in 2011."

FAMILY NECKLACES

Morgan is the son of Dr. Richard and Janice Morgan, who live in Neshannock Township and are graduates of Neshannock High School. The couple returned to New Castle after Richard served 24 years in the army.

"When my dad was in the air force, New Castle was home," Morgan said. "Where I went to visit my grandparents, I have four children, New Castle is their home, they go home this summer to visit my parents, I always thought that New Castle was the home. "

He is the grandson of Warren Morgan and Jeremiah Maher, who also served their country. In fact, Andrew Morgan is the first doctor in the army to be chosen as an astronaut. His brother, Ben, served in the United States Coast Guard.

"New Castle is special for us," Morgan said. "My kids will be here this summer and will probably be at the fireworks at Pearson Park on July 4th.

"I have never lived there, I have never been to school, but it is at home. "

Morgan 's love for New Castle is true, next summer he will have the opportunity to scrutinize the place that he calls home. a point of view that few people will ever know.

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Online:

https://bit.ly/2z005i1

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Information from: New Castle News, http://www.ncnewsonline.com

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