PARKER ALUMNI PROFILE
Laura Crabtree Class of 2000
Current position: Mission Operations Engineer and Simulation Training Lead for Dragon Operations, SpaceX Job description: I prepare the operators for the flights of Dragon and Falcon 9, from capsule communications to working with NASA. Most amazing sight through a lens? Watching the Dragon attach to the Space Station was a life changing experience.
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What is SpaceX? We’re trying to revolutionize space travel, make it faster, better and cheaper. People think space is this unobtainable thing and we want to make it obtainable. Current Projects: We have a commercial contract with NASA to deliver cargo and payloads to the International Space Station. Greatest Opportunities in Space: Developing the capability to reuse a vehicle will be a huge game changer. America needs the capability to take people into space again.
Emotions when you watch a live video feed? Excitement, passion. Our company accomplished something that only a few countries have been able to do. Also, extreme tension. There are so many obstacles that need to be overcome in order to be successful. Greatest Accomplishment: I played a big part in training my colleagues who were responsible for the Dragon rendezvous with the Space Station. We grew and learned together, and afterward they thanked me for my role in the mission’s success.
When did you decide on space exploration? When I was 10. I spent the early part of my life excited about watching all the Shuttle flights, and went to the Challenger Center with Parker in 6th grade. I then went to Space Camp in Huntsville, AL in high school. I’ve always been fascinated by the unknown. When I was young, I wanted to be an architect and an astronaut. I told my mother I was going to build houses on the moon. Most rewarding part of your job? Every day is different. I go to work with an idea of what I am going to do but it always changes as the day goes on.
Humans on Mars? I think it is entirely possible in my lifetime. If not, I will be sad. Would you go? Absolutely. My sister (Heather Crabtree ’02) would be mad at me for saying that. But I would go. Is Pluto a planet? Yes. I think there is too much hype about that issue. Years at Parker: 9 Favorite Parker Memory? In 10th grade, I was on the volleyball team that won the state championship. It was an amazing experience and a great group of girls.
Least Favorite Parker Memory? 6th grade was my toughest year. I was so busy trying to figure out who I wanted to be and what I wanted to do. Favorite Parker Teachers: Mrs. Redelings, Mr. Kleve, Mr. Crowley, Mr. Wineholt, Señor Steel, Mrs. Hanscom. Favorite quote? “Do or do not... There is no try.” – Jedi Master Yoda
Photography Courtesy of SpaceX
Current residence: Redondo Beach, California
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