Weber calling Hyderabad. Do you copy?

HYDERABAD: Most of us at some point of time or the other have stared at the open sky and wondered what it would be like to be there, surrounded by innumerable stars, floating in zero gravity and experiencing how still the universe can be. While that’s a wonder for most, few of us ever get an answer, first hand at that. However, on Saturday evening Hyderabad listened with rapt attention as former astronaut Dr Mary Ellen Weber spoke about her 450 hours in space. With two space flights to her credit, STS-70 Discovery (1995) and STS-101 Atlantis (2000), she has held the responsibility of flying a 60-foot robotic arm to maneuver a spacewalk crew member across the station's surface, directing more than 3000 pounds (1360 kilograms) of equipment and checking systems of the National Aeronautics Space Administration’s (NASA) communication satellite that was launched into its 22,000-mile orbit above the equator. She has thus far spent up to 18 days, 18 hours and 30 minutes in space, traveled 297 orbits around the Earth in 7.8 million miles (12.6 million kilometers). In a tête-a-tête with Dr Weber, here’s what she had to say. What is your most distinct memory of the experience in space?  There are many many experiences to choose from.Every moment was different from the next.But the most distinct memory for me would be the launch.Both the launches were so exciting, dangerous and overwhelming, not only mentally but also physically.When the shuttle is in take off mode, the force of the propeller versus the gravitational force hits you bodily in the chest.We had to sustain that while maintaining a clear head in order to do our job and be prepared to make split-second decisions.At that point, anything can go wrong. We always talk about what it’s like in space.What happens to an astronaut after they return?  Every person has a different way of coping with the ‘ground’ reality.Being suspended in zero gravity for long can make you very disoriented once back in a gravity field.I had a little balancing problem for a while.There used to be a ringing within my ear.But otherwise I adapted to normal life pretty soon. Is there a limit on the number of times an astronaut can go into space?  Again, that varies from one person to another.In my case, I used to use a small-size space jumpsuit.But after 2002, they stopped manufacturing in small size because of the suit specifications.So it was obvious I wouldn’t be able to go back into space. Also the amount of radiation one is exposed to determines whether they can go back up. Does witnessing things from a million miles change one’s perspective?  (Smiling) We’ve always looked at Earth as a world with countries and boundaries.But when I looked at it through the (space) shuttle’s window, it was just a planet with land masses and water.It makes you very philosophical. Did you come across aliens or do you believe in them at all?  (Chuckling) No, I didn’t.But I do hope there is extra-terrestrial life out there.The universe is a very vast and gigantic space with the potential for a lot of possibilities.We think we are so big and important.It’s only when you are really out there do you realise the enormity of the system we live in. How accurate are all these movies on space missions and outer atmosphere expeditions?  Some of them are pretty accurate.For instance, Apollo 13, was a very well made movie - in concept and in direction.There are other movies too like Armageddon which weren’t so accurate.True, the concept of an intervention in case of a meteor or asteroid colliding with Earth is very much there, but only in theory. After working in a consortium of semiconductor and applied materials companies to a 10-year stint with NASA and to currently being the vice-president of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, do you have any further plans?  I’ve so far had two professions in my life and I’m in my third.I do have plans of starting something entrepreneurial.But nothing has been decided yet.Nobody takes these kind of risks to have fun.But, it’s worth it.So I take them.Be bold, be fearless and take that step forward.