Orbital Maneuvers Read Online Free PDF

little piece of Earth as they ventured out into the hostile environment of space were but a few items to cover on the checklist. 
    Ivan came down just before Susan and Jill donned their helmets.  He patted Jill on the back and offered her some words of encouragement.  As Jerry and Paul hovered around Jill to complete her suit-up, Ivan moved over to Susan.  He watched her very closely, trying to access her condition, but she was focused on the moment and there was nothing showing on her face.  She looked up and caught him staring at her.
    “Is something wrong?”
    Ivan, feeling a bit uncomfortable, grinned.  “No, but I was going to ask you the same question.”
    “I’m doing okay.” She wasn’t, but she wasn’t going to say any more at this time.  Maybe she was over reacting, she thought. 
    Ivan wasn’t convinced, but he knew how tough Susan could be.  He had to try again.  “Still have those feelings?”
    Susan grabbed her helmet as it started to float away from her.  “Nothing more than the normal jitters one has before an EVA.  I’m fine.  Here, help me with my helmet.”
    Ivan took her helmet and as he lowered it over her head he whispered, “Good luck out there.  Things are going to go well, just relax.”
    Susan reached up and grabbed Ivan’s arm before the helmet was completely on.  Peering out from under the bottom of her helmet she looked at Ivan and whispered, “I don’t know what the future is going to bring but, I want to thank you for all that you have done for me throughout all our training.  Sometimes I think that I would not be here if you were not there coaching me, and most importantly, being my friend.  Thank you for that.”
    “Susan, it has been my pleasure to help you and I am quite honored that you consider me your friend.  I have enjoyed working with you.  You have made my stay in the states so much more enjoyable that I feel it is a second home to me… Anyway, we are going to finish with SCIEXSAT and head home, and I will let you buy me dinner!”
    “It will be my pleasure,” Susan smiled as she pulled the helmet down and Ivan locked it in place.
    Although Susan returned his smile, it was with much effort as she wanted only to scream and run.  She then cursed herself for letting her nerves wear on her and her weakness show through.  You can’t lead if you’re falling to pieces , she scolded herself.  Here, Jill is wound up in knots over the EVA and you, the pro, are a basket case.  Get with the plan!   Susan straightened herself as much as she could in the suit and took a deep breath of the cool oxygen flowing into her helmet.  She waved to Ivan, who was heading back to the flight deck with Jerry.
    The suit intercoms were now active and Susan could hear Jill breathing hard as she made some final adjustments on her suit.  “Jill, are you all set?”
    “Set and ready to go.  Are we cleared for the EVA from down below?”
    “We are clear to begin the EVA.”
    “How are the butterflies?” Susan asked, peering into Jill’s visor.
    “They are still there but smaller than sparrows at this time.”
    “Great!  It’s amazing and wonderful out there, and you’ll do fine.  Just watch out for the little green men!” Susan winked at Jill, who broke into a big smile.  “Paul, we’re ready.”
    “Then let’s open the doors and let you ladies out!” Paul said, guiding Susan and Jill into the airlock.  “It’s time to get this show on the road!” As he closed the hatch to the airlock he gave them a thumbs-up and added, “Good luck and be careful you two.”
     
     

III
     
    The sounds of the shuttle slowly disappeared as the air was pumped out of the airlock and there was nothing to carry the vibrations to their helmets.  All that could be heard was the hiss of the intercom system and the whir of the pumps and motors that kept the air and cooling systems running in their suits.  Susan always felt somewhat like a robot when she was in a space