Meet: Stephen Long

Who I am and What I do
I am a person who loves adventure -- anything challenging, new, or that I haven't done before. Maybe that's why I ended up at NASA. Presently, I am preparing to be an International Space Station flight controller. I am in training, learning all the radio systems used on ISS and the systems' capabilities. After training, I will be on console at Mission Control.

All the different groups that will control the ISS have group designator names. This makes it easier to identify us, especially by radio or computer transmission. Our group is called CATO, which stands for Communication And Tracking Officer. My first flight to work on console is scheduled to be the 4th U.S. flight, somewhere around August 1999. I'm very excited

My newest hobby is cycling -- road and mountain biking. About six weeks ago (May 1998), I was part of the Run for the Roses Race, which is sponsored by the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Also in this race was Greg Lemond, a three time Tour de France champion and one of America's most noted cyclists. I was parked by the finish line when Greg, Lance, and the guitarist for the Wallflowers crossed the finish line. A lot of people gathered around, and since Greg was parked by me, I took the opportunity to ask him for his autograph. Since I had no paper, I had him sign the jersey I had on. It was so cool!! The jersey now hangs in my office. I also enjoy trying new foods -- what a way to experience new cultures.

Growing up
I grew up in San Antonio from the 7th grade on. My dad worked for General Electric, and we moved about every five years. We spent time in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Dallas, Texas; and Minneapolis, Minnesota. I was born in Chicago, Illinois, but only lived there about six months. The fact that we moved frequently influenced me greatly. Having no real long term friends, I became quite a loner, but began craving these new adventures and places.

In junior high school, I thought about being a marine biologist. From the 7th to the 10th grade, I tried lots of things -- band, sports, drama, journalism, and such -- but felt like I failed at all of them. My dad would bring home pieces of electronic equipment to work on. He'd go out to his workbench, tear the equipment down, test it, solve what was wrong and fix it. He'd have his soldering iron and his other tools out, and I was fascinated. By the time I was a young man, I desired electronics.

As a kid, I hated reading and considered it a tortuous burden, though I came from a family of avid readers. In the lower grades of school, I was not a great student. I found college easier. One important fact about me is that I persevere. I think a little bit of tenacity can go a long way. I'd rather try and fail then not have tried at all.

My family
My parents live in San Antonio. My mom just retired -- she was a home mortgage officer assistant. My dad works for Siemens Medical Systems as an installation engineer, installing CT, MRI, and other types of medical scanners. He is planning to retire soon. My mom loves computer games, and my dad loves carpentry. I live in the Clear Lake area, where I am looking for the perfect Dalmatian. My family enjoys getting together and talking. When we were younger, we enjoyed going camping together, even though we spent a good bit of that time playing bridge in the woods.

My Career Journey
I dropped out of high school in the 11th grade. Like so many things we sometimes do, I took a different path then most of my peers. Soon after, I joined the Army, where I pursued the electronics avenue (as a communications operator). After leaving the Army, I went to Dallas, where my sister was living and started community college. I must say, my math classes at the community college level were excellent. I then went to the University of Texas-San Antonio, where I earned my bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering. During my last semester there, I attended all the job fairs I could and passed out my resume. At one of these fairs, I gave my resume to United Space Alliance (USA), and they called me back. I've been here at NASA, with USA, for about six months now.

Influences
Probably one of the most influencing individuals in my life was a guy I met while working as a screenprinter. I was very good at my job, and this guy was very impressed with me -- until he found out I only had a GED and three college credit hours. From then on, he snubbed me. This made me so angry to be judged this way and inspired me to go back to college!

Likes/Dislikes About Career
I love my job because I can basically develop the skills I want and am interested in. I'm not limited or held back. For a change I can say that I have the greatest job in the world. I come to work and challenge myself mentally. Everyday is an adventure in itself. The day it becomes boring, there is something wrong.

Future Plans & Goals
I started working on my master's degree in computer engineering this summer. My goal is to finish it up in a timely manner. I want to constantly grow, as I never want to stagnate. I always want to improve myself educationally. School and a good education is really important.

Archived Chats

• October 23, 1998