If I Were The Pilot Of Space Ship Ten
By Michael W. Smith
November 16, 2207
General Brian Rowe,
We commend you! Due the recent interest in space flight, particularly to Mars, you have been selected from among twenty other pilots to fly the SpaceShipTen for an exploratory expedition to the planet Mars. Please report to the Rawlins Launch Port on November 30th 2207 for your space suit fitting and other preparations for your flight. You will depart for your interplanetary flight on Tuesday, December 1St at precisely 10:45am, Zulu Time. Once again, congratulations on your being selected for this opportunity of a lifetime.
Good luck,
Ron D. Stephenson, PhD
This course set my life on the most exhilarating experience ever. This journey was far more intense than the newest addition at Space Park, or more exciting than piloting our newest fighter, Streak. My life's work had become a reality, piloting SpaceShipTen, the world's first ever nuclear-powered spacecraft. I was finally on my way to Mars!
Having two weeks to prepare, I made the necessary arrangements to depart and made my way to the Rawlins Launch Port. Once there, I was fitted into my space suit designed especially for this mission. The newly designed suit with Tierm Fibers@ is used for its extreme strength and lightweight design that keeps body heat in while providing a wide range of flexibility. Admiral Evan Raikes gave me details regarding the mission I was about to embark on. I then met my co-pilot Ian Jones, as well as the navigators Carlos Gutierrez and Adam Smith. Together we walked to the cafeteria to discuss our upcoming galactic experience.
December 1St had finally arrived and we made our way to the SpaceShipTen; the sun was just beginning to come into view over the surrounding mountain ranges. At this point, it felt as though a hundred butterflies were at war within my stomach. We began to go over the preflight checklist,
making sure the nuclear bomb we were sitting on would take us safely to Mars. Less than an hour later, we were strapped in the cockpit.
Finally, 10:40 arrived! Less than ten minuets after takeoff, we sped into space, passing by the moon. After what seemed like hours, realistically following many days, our computers alerted us that we reached our destination.
Our journey was not without conflict; the strong Martian winds were a beast to reckon with. Nevertheless, nothing could compare with the massive crevices we blazed by, making the Grand Canyon seem miniscule in comparison; the brilliant hues were breathtaking.
These entries are an accumulation of many years and much hard labor at academia. Next year, when I retire from my career as a test pilot of the world's most advanced war machines, I plan to write a book on my ultimate experience. For now, I will reminisce of my journey piloting Spa ceShipTen .