058 | An Unidentified Flying Object?
One of the coolest assignments I had back in my early astronaut days was being the science equipment operator aboard NASA’s WB-57F aircraft. It was 1982 when I flew an unusual mission not only because of the sinister feel of the WB-57F or the assignment’s details, but also because of what came after it—and the foreboding I felt that night seems confirmed by recent events far too often.
In this episode, you’ll hear about the UFO sighting that defined one of my early missions as an astronaut. I discuss NASA’s WB-57F aircraft and describe why astronauts get picked for science operator roles. I also explain how public distrust can lead to social collapse and underscore the importance of creating a common ground with everyone, every day.
“The spread of this could atomize everything—shatter social structures into fragments of individuals awash in distrust of everything except their own experiences and perceptions.”
- Kathy Sullivan
This week on Kathy Sullivan Explores:
● My assignment aboard the NASA WB-57F aircraft
● What the WB-57F aircraft’s like, its uses in science, and what makes it sinister
● A UFO sighting and the public’s perception of it
● The long-term implications of distrust
Our Favorite Quotes:
● “They had seen a UFO, and dismissed the explanation out of hand. My laughter soon gave way to worry as I deeply thought about the long-term implications of this mindset.”
● “We can each do something within our own circle to build a piece of common ground with those around us regardless of their views. No matter how small that may be, it will matter.” - Kathy Sullivan
Spaceship Not Required
I’m Kathy Sullivan, the only person to have walked in space and gone to the deepest point in the ocean.
I’m an explorer, and that doesn’t always have to involve going to some remote or exotic place. It simply requires a commitment to put curiosity into action.
In this podcast, you can explore, reflecting on lessons learned from life so far and from my brilliant and ever-inquisitive guests. We explore together in this very moment from right where you are… spaceship not required.
Welcome to Kathy Sullivan Explores.