." When I was all around 16 or 17, I found this manual through Arthur C. Clarke got in touch with Room Odyssey 2001. That was really the initial sci-fi publication that I've ever gone through. I was actually just so caught by what he had composed considering that the things that he covered weren't [taking place] in the far-off future, however in the year 2001. In guide, he speaks about a whole lot about space stations, and space capsule that increase to the space station, as well as motor vehicles that most likely to the Moon or the Moon base, plus all that. I imply, these are actually terms that you hear right now regularly, right? And Also Arthur C. Clarke really envisioned it during that time. To ensure that interested me. I really hoped that sooner or later I could service one thing like that." In phrases of my education and learning, I was in fact going to go into the space engineering, but then a person encouraged me that mechanical engineering will provide me a more comprehensive history. So I followed the advice, as well as it was the best factor to accomplish. I found yourself finding out a lot of traits, not only mechanical design however likewise a great deal regarding electric engineering and also bodies design all at once." ... Then an option came with NASA. It was at that time that they began discussing the spaceport station. Ronald Reagan during that time was the Head of state, and also he suggested this project to cultivate the spaceport station. At that time, he called the spaceport station 'Independence.'." I assumed, 'Wow, what a fantastic principle it would be terrific if I could possibly focus on that.'." And of program, one thing caused an additional, and also [I ended up servicing the International Space Station.] So you never ever recognize what you're going to wind up doing." I rely on coexistence occasionally. Things that you perform, somehow, cause your ultimate location. Some unnoticeable pressures push you during that path. When you recall, you understand that every little thing meshes.".-- Douglas Wong, Systems Engineer, ISS CRS Seeing Vehicle Protection & Purpose Guarantee Combination Focal, NASA's Johnson Room Facility.Picture Debt: NASA/Bill StaffordInterviewer: NASA/Thalia Patrinos.Look at several of our various other Faces of NASA..