QuestChat

Date: October 20, 1998

Featuring: Sebastian O'Kelly
Aide to Senator John Glenn
NASA Headquarters, Washington, D.C.

[ Linda/NASAQuest - 0 - 14:44:47 ]
Welcome to the chat room for the Tuesday, October 20 chat with Sebastian O'Kelly, aide to Senator John Glenn. Please read Sebastian's profile at: http://quest.arc.nasa.gov/space/challenge/team/okelly.html

[ Linda/NASAQuest - 4 - 10:56:01 ]
RE: [MrsMock] Hello Linda. My 5th and 6th grade students are looking forward to this chat.
Welcome! we will begin shortly.

[ Linda/NASAQuest - 6 - 10:59:13 ]
RE: [MrsShindel/Cromwell] Hello from Cromwell Valley Elementary Reg. Magnet School (Baltimore County Public Schools,) Towson, Maryland. Thank you, NASA for hosting this chat and allowing us to attend. We are very excited about the upcoming shuttle mission and we appreciate the opportunity to talk with Sebastian O'Kelly. With me today are a group of 4th graders who have been studying space. They are Andy O, Stephen I, Matt N., Jenny D., Allison S., Matt L,
We are delighted to have you on board! I expect Sebastian to join us shortly.

[ Linda/NASAQuest - 15 - 11:11:10 ]
RE: [James] Hi there, I'm situated in Durban, South Africa and am overly excited just being here, let alone participating in this discussion . Thank you Linda (Nasa) for this amazing opportunity and I'm looking forward to chatting to Sebastian O'Kelly and yourself .
We're delighted to have you onboard! I just spoke with Sebastian's office and he is on the phone - hopefully he'll sign on here soon!

[ Linda/NASAQuest - 17 - 11:14:59 ]
RE: [Anita] My fifth grade class is ready with some questions.
Great! Anita, just go ahead and begin to ask. I will hold the questions. Sebastian is with us now and I'll feed questions in as he catches up.

[ Expert/SCSAS - 18 - 11:16:24 ]
RE: [MrsShindel/Cromwell] For Sebastian Kelley: How long have you been working with Sen. Glenn? What are the benefits of this space mission? Why did Sen. Glenn want to go on this mission?
Sorry, I'm a little late. Senator Glenn has wanted to have a second flight into space for a long time, but he has always known that there had to be a strong reason for it or otherwise it wouldn't be justified. A few years ago he learned that many of the physiological changes that happen to astronauts when they are in space are similar to what happens to people as they age here on earth. He thought that this would be worth researching to discover if they changes also happen with an older astronaut. He started talking to NASA about two years and in January the Administrator approved his flight.

[ Expert/SCSAS - 19 - 11:17:18 ]
RE: [Shannon] Shannon/HomeSchool Hi I am a 6th grade homeschool student,and I am excited to chat with Sebastian O'Kelly. Will you be at the launching when Senator Glenn goes in to space?
Yes. Next on Oct 29. I'm looking forward to it.

[ MrsShindel/Cromwell - 21 - 11:18:34 ]
Anita, where is your school located?

[ Anita - 23 - 11:20:25 ]
My school is located in San Jose, California.

[ SebastianOKelly - 24 - 11:20:43 ]
RE: [Gloria] Shannon/HomeSchool For Mr. O'Kelly: How important is Math in space travel, and what are some of the types of math used?
It's very important. The universe is governed by the laws of science and physics. Math is integral to being adept in these subjects. Astrophysics is a hot new science for budding space scientists.

[ SebastianOKelly - 28 - 11:22:48 ]
RE: [Expert/SCSAS] Sorry, I'm a little late. Senator Glenn has wanted to have a second flight into space for a long time, but he has always known that there had to be a strong reason for it or otherwise it wouldn't be justified. A few years ago he learned that many of the physiological changes that happen to astronauts when they are in space are similar to what happens to people as they age here on earth. He thought that this would be worth researching to discover if they changes also happen with an older astronaut. He started talking to NASA about two years and in January the Administrator approved his flight.
Let me add further. I've been working for him for 8 and a half years.

[ SebastianOKelly - 29 - 11:24:24 ]
RE: [Linda/NASAQuest] [ Amber asked above] My name is Amber Longnecker. My question is why is John Glen going into space again?
I'm a little swamped here. If you look at the question directly after yours, they've asked the same thing and you should see my answer there.

[ SebastianOKelly - 31 - 11:25:49 ]
RE: [Shannon] What do you think about humans living on other planets in the future?
I think it will happen one day but I don't know when. There is some discussion within the space community about establishing a lunar base on the moon within 20 years, but there are only discussions at this point.

[ SebastianOKelly - 32 - 11:28:09 ]
RE: [Ashley] Hi my name is Ashley Rosser. My question is what do you do as a aid. Oh I for got to tell you a first grader named Christopher is going us in the chat.
I advise/assist him on various issues, space being one. I counsel him on Senate votes, write speeches for him, draft legislation, and once in awhile do Webchats. I like my job a lot. I'm in touch with lots of neat people and the work is very challenging and usually rewarding.

[ SebastianOKelly - 34 - 11:30:08 ]
RE: [Shannon] Is Senator Glenn nervous about going in to space?
Not really. He knows that there is a risk involved but he has lots of confidence in NASA and the other astronauts in his crew. Plus he's used to taking risks from his earlier space flight and his service in combat during WW II and Korea.

[ SebastianOKelly - 37 - 11:32:32 ]
RE: [James] Goodmorning Sebastian, like yourself I love to push myself in the gym and I can relate to the feeling of surprise at the outcome . My question to you is, what has Senator John Glenn's step back into the physically demanding world of Nasa been like for him and for you, being alongside him all the way ? Thank-you .
He's been excited and invigorated by it. It's been hectic as he tries to wind down his career in the Senate while also training in Houston and Florida but he has managed it well. He prides himslef on keeping good shape. He used to jog up unitl a few years ago. Now he power walks and lifts light weights.

[ SebastianOKelly - 39 - 11:33:55 ]
RE: [Chris] Hi my name is Chris. I am in first grade. My question is what does he like the best about what he does?
I think he likes the challenge of tackling a difficult task. Plus he loves science and technology.

[ SebastianOKelly - 41 - 11:36:13 ]
RE: [Joseph] How did you prepare yourself to be qualified to be an aide to a Senator?
Most people who work in the Senate start out by being interns over the summer while they are still in college (although that wasn't the route I took). Aides usually have degrees in political science, history or economics. Another good way to start is by being a volunteer in someone's campaign and work your way in from there. You can do that at almost any age.

[ SebastianOKelly - 43 - 11:37:56 ]
RE: [SonomaState] When will there be a policial will to send people to Mars?
I think people are waiting to see progress on completion of the International Space Station. If it is built sucessfully, and Senator Glenn strongly believes that it will, then I think more people will rally around a Mars mission.

[ SebastianOKelly - 46 - 11:40:06 ]
RE: [Shannon] What Are some of the things you advise Senator Glenn on as far a his pursuit of space travel?
There are a flood of requests and people who want to see him, or do something for them, on space-related subjects and I take care of them for him as he is too busy at the moment to do them himself. That's been my primary duty in the last 6 months.

[ SebastianOKelly - 47 - 11:41:06 ]
RE: [James] Were you with Senator John Glenn when the news that he might be going into space first came about, if so what was his and your first reaction ?
I actually wasn't there. I was home in bed with the chicken pox (boo-hoo). I was excited for him.

[ SebastianOKelly - 50 - 11:44:22 ]
RE: [SonomaState] Good Morning Sebastian, we are an upper division class at Sonoma State and are studing the possiablity of sending people to Mars. What do you think? Any talks about sending people to Mars?
There is some discussion underway within the space community. There are cost issues to consider, plus technical challenges, one of the primary of them how do you astronauts healthy in a zero gravity environment for the long trip there and back. I think people are waiting to see the outcome of the Space Station before deciding to make more of push for manned mission to Mars. NASA is also sending more probes to Mars (including a return lander) and it makes sense to see what they come up with.

[ SebastianOKelly - 52 - 11:44:53 ]
RE: [MrsShindel/Cromwell] As we sign off, the students at Cromwell would like to know: what is Sen. Glenn's favorite space food?
Orange juice

[ Linda/NASAQuest - 54 - 11:45:33 ]
RE: [MrsShindel/Cromwell] Thank you Sebastian OKelly and Linda. We have enjoyed chatting with you and the other schools. We wish the crew of STS-95 a successful and safe journey and will follow the launch here in Maryland. We hope they learn a lot.
Thanks for joining us!

[ SebastianOKelly - 55 - 11:46:52 ]
RE: [Gloria] What are some of the experiments that Senator Glenn will participate in, in space?
He will be tested in a number of ways. His balance, sleep patterns and brain activity, heart and blood pressure, and muscle function and mass. He will have a number of probes and IVs attached to him thoughout the flight, with many blood smaples taken.

[ SebastianOKelly - 57 - 11:50:02 ]
RE: [James] Another Question for Sebastian, do you feel the effects of space have a significant effect on age and the adaption to the space climate ?
Yes. Being in zero-gravity for any length of time is not good for the body. Certain exercises serve as a counter but still changes in bone and muscle mass, sleeping, balance, immune system to name a few do occur. Luckily, these effects reverse themselves once the astronaut returns to earth. Scientists are very interested in what triggers that reversal and learning about it so that possibly new treatments can be developed to treat aging-related diseases here on Earth.

[ Linda/NASAQuest - 59 - 11:50:50 ]
RE: [Amber] Hi! We're a new group of students from Ms. Mocks class.
Hi, Nice to have you with us. We have lots of questions waiting and very little time. If you have a very special question, please let us know.

[ SebastianOKelly - 63 - 11:52:28 ]
RE: [James] Hehe, will you be communicating with Senator John Glenn during the mission at all ? Oh and pardon the forwardness of the question but aren't you a little bit jealous at not being able to join him up there as he looks down on all of us ?
Sure. Who wouldn't be? I've volunteered as stowaway but I don't it will fly. I won't get to talk to him but I believe that NASA has scheduled 30 minutes for him to talk with schools on Halloween night.

[ SebastianOKelly - 64 - 11:53:33 ]
RE: [Shannon] I read your Bio and I noticed that you have two cats, I also have two named Nala and Penelope. What are your cats names?
Injun Joe (from Tom Sawyer) and Portia

[ SebastianOKelly - 67 - 11:55:04 ]
RE: [MrsShindel/Cromwell] From Matt N., Stephen I, and Andy O: How will they do experiments on bone and muscle loss?
He will be inject with an isotope into his muscle and that will be tracked. He will be doing an MRI before and after flight.

[ SebastianOKelly - 68 - 11:56:06 ]
RE: [Shannon] What is going to be the name of your new novel? Since you're looking for a publisher, Bantam Doubleday Dell in NY is a good one, my Aunt works there.
Political Poison. It's a politcal mystery. I'd love to talk to her.

[ SebastianOKelly - 69 - 11:56:56 ]
RE: [Giavanna] Hi my name is Giavanna Currin.My question is how long is John glen going to be in space?
ABout 9 days. He was in space for about 5 hours on his first flight 36 years ago.

[ SebastianOKelly - 71 - 11:58:35 ]
RE: [Shannon] If I wanted to pursue a career in space travel, what would you advise me to study the most in school?
Aerospace engineering would be a good choice. Astrophysics also. Astronomy and life sciences. If you are interested in becoming an astronaut, most of them have advanced degrees , including many Phds.

[ Linda/NASAQuest - 73 - 11:59:07 ]
RE: [Chris] The older students had to go to lunch right now, but we thank you for answering our questions.
Thanks for joining us!

[ SebastianOKelly - 75 - 12:00:02 ]
RE: [Chris] The older students had to go to lunch right now, but we thank you for answering our questions.
You're welcome.

[ SebastianOKelly - 77 - 12:01:47 ]
RE: [SonomaState] What kind of people would Glenn think that should go to Mars first?
The best and the brightest within the astronaut corps. A trip of this magnitude would likely be an international venture (like the Space Station) so include astronauts from other countries.

[ SebastianOKelly - 79 - 12:04:28 ]
RE: [Shannon] What did you do before you became Senator Glenn's Aide?
I've worked for him for almost 9 years. Before that I wrote magazine articles for 2 years for the National Restaurant Association. And previously I was in college at Duke University in North Carolina.

[ Linda/NASAQuest - 80 - 12:04:36 ]
Hi all, Sebastian has agreed to answer the rest of the questions I have on hand. I want to thank all of you for your thoughtful questions. Please join us again soon.

[ James - 83 - 12:05:35 ]
Other Countries like SOUTH AFRICA I hope, hehe

[ SebastianOKelly - 84 - 12:05:49 ]
RE: [James] Thanks for answering my questions Sebastian . In your opinion, is John the type of person to jump at a second opportunity at another shuttle flight or do you think he'd like this to be his final mission ?
One trip at a time, James. He's focusing on doing his job well on this one.

[ SebastianOKelly - 86 - 12:06:37 ]
RE: [Shannon] We have to sign off now. Thanks for an enjoyable chat This was our first but not our last.
You're welcome

[ SebastianOKelly - 88 - 12:09:04 ]
RE: [David] I would like to know how many test will Mr. John Glenn have to take before he orbits the earth again?
He doesn't have to take any tests per se, although he did have to pass an extensive physical before NASA would approve his flight. He spends a lot time studying though, promarily on the experiments he will be performing. He will be operating two laptop computers, which is omething of a new experience for a man born well before the computer age.

[ SebastianOKelly - 89 - 12:11:46 ]
RE: [Arman] Is it more difficult for Senator Glenn to prepare for space this time compared to his last trip.
Yes and no. He's not piloting this craft so that is not a concern and there other astronauts now to rely on. However, this trip has a much greater emphasis on sciences with 83 experiments planned. On his first trip, the primary focus was on the launch, orbit, and piloting of the craft for a safe return. Some science was planned, but it was very elemental.

[ SebastianOKelly - 90 - 12:12:15 ]
RE: [James] Thank - you for answering my questions Sebastian, give my best wishes to John, we all wish him Godspeed
You're welcome.

[ SebastianOKelly - 92 - 12:14:42 ]
RE: [Linda/NASAQuest] Sebastian, Many thanks for joining us today. I know I enjoyed the experience thoroughly! Thanks for your answers!
No problem. I like doing these sessions. My syntax gets a little jumbled in a rush to keep up with the questions but the kids seem to enjoy the back and forth.

[ Linda/NASAQuest - 94 - 12:28:41 ]
RE: [Margaret] Will Sen. Glenn be visiting any schools after this mission?
Hi Margaret, The chat with Sebastian O'Kelly is over. I would suggest that you check on Sen. Glenn's web pages at http://www.senate.gov/~glenn/ for plans, if any to visit schools after the mission.