." Coming from my earliest childhood, trip had regularly mesmerized me. I lived out in the boonies and also the fields, so I failed to possess neighbors to go and have fun with. If I had not been functioning, I was left to my own devices, as well as frequently, I would certainly merely be spellbinded by the wildlife and particularly, the birds of prey that I will see." To me, they exemplified an independence of some kind or even yet another. These birds and also the sight they possess-- they can consume a great deal. So, from that aspect on, I recognized I wanted to be actually involved in flight and aeronautics." I [delighted in] all traits trip, all factors spaceflight. I couldn't acquire good enough of it. I came to be a serious visitor, whereas before, I wasn't much of an audience. I couldn't obtain adequate product to review my heroes coming from trip as well as area. They became my role models and also the pathway that they took entailed, at some time or even another, a rather thorough education and learning and also commitment to perform well academically, actually, or athletically. So, I threw myself into that whole entire sort of way of thinking." When I was actually working with the Air Force, I managed to soar as well as focus on airplane that I would fantasize about, examining in the publications Air travel Week and also Room Technology. Listed here they are, best in front of me." ... Thus, my occupation has actually been actually as close as possible to that of an air travel test designer. And then, right on the heels of being actually captivated through atmospherical flight, working in human spaceflight has actually placed me over the Moon.".-- Physician Donald Mendoza, Principal Developer, NASA Design & Protection Center, NASA's Ames Proving ground.Photo Credit Scores: NASA/Dominic HartInterviewer: NASA/Thalia Patrinos.Take a look at several of our other Images of NASA.