To the Moon & Back - A Lifelong Journey of Exploration & Inspired Friendship

My lifelong friends Richard Sweeney, Victor Glover and I embarked on an unforgettable journey with our sons. We traveled to the NASA Space Center in Houston, Texas, for a unique opportunity to reunite with and spend the day with our high school friend and football teammate, astronaut Victor Glover. This trip was not just a chance to catch up with an old friend but a once-in-a-lifetime behind-the-scenes experience that would leave a lasting impression on all of us.

Victor Glover, a proud graduate of Ontario High School’s Class of 1994, has always been a trailblazer. After being commissioned as an Pilot in the United States Navy, he climbed the ranks to become one of NASA’s most accomplished astronauts. In 2013, he was selected for the prestigious NASA Astronaut Corps and completed his rigorous training in 2015. Victor has since piloted SpaceX's Crew Dragon, becoming the first African American ISS Expedition crewmember to live on the International Space Station where he spent over 6 months in space and somehow came out even stronger able to squat over 600 pounds! He’s now poised for even greater achievements as the pilot for NASA’s Artemis II mission, which will fly by the Moon and establish key elements of the Lunar Space Station.

Our day began with Victor greeting us at the entrance to the Johnson Space Center in Houston. After warm hugs and a quick catch-up, he led us to the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility (SVMF). Walking into the vast hangar, we were awestruck by the sheer scale of the high-fidelity hardware. Victor explained how these mockups are critical for training spaceflight crews and support personnel.

We went inside the full-scale models of the International Space Station (ISS) and the Orion spacecraft, used for real-time troubleshooting and mission simulations. Our sons’ eyes lit up as Victor shared how astronauts practice operating equipment and navigating emergency scenarios using these tools "like a big camping expedition".

Next, we visited the Mission Control Center—the nerve center of space operations. Stepping into Flight Control Room-1 (FCR-1), we felt the weight of history. This room had commanded and controlled missions dating back to the Apollo program. Victor spoke passionately about the teamwork and precision required to ensure the safety of astronauts and the success of missions. The boys marveled at the banks of monitors, imagining the intensity of guiding spacecraft traveling thousands of miles per hour. We were actually able to watch the livestream of the ISS astronaut weekly meeting with mission control and feel like real participants in the program. This was especially inspiring to Richard's son who is currently in a PHd program for astrophysics with technical knowledge of the forefront of data science and our knowledge of galaxy clusters.

Our next stop was the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL), an enormous indoor pool where astronauts simulate spacewalks underwater. Victor described how the facility prepares astronauts for the challenges of zero gravity by allowing them to practice intricate tasks underwater. We watched divers assist a team rehearsing repairs on a submerged ISS module. The scale and sophistication of the operation were breathtaking, and Victor’s enthusiasm was infectious as he explained the critical role the NBL plays in mission success.

At Ellington Field, NASA’s pilot training hub, we toured the hangars filled with sleek aircraft used for astronaut training. Victor’s Navy pilot background shone through as he explained the importance of mastering high-speed maneuvers and navigating in extreme conditions. Our sons couldn’t contain their excitement as they climbed into the cockpit of a T-38 Talon, a jet used by astronauts to sharpen their flying skills.

Throughout the day, Victor shared stories of his incredible career. He spoke about his six-month mission aboard the ISS, where he conducted scientific experiments, performed spacewalks, and mentored future astronauts. He also gave us a glimpse into the future, describing his role in the Artemis II mission, which aims to pave the way for humanity’s return to the Moon. Hearing Victor talk about piloting the Orion spacecraft and the intricate planning behind the mission was nothing short of inspiring.

As the day came to a close, we gathered for a private meeting with other astronauts. Each shared their unique journeys, offering advice to our sons about the value of perseverance, education, and teamwork. The boys were left with a newfound determination to chase their dreams.

This visit was more than a reunion; it was a celebration of friendship, ambition, and the boundless possibilities of human exploration. Watching Victor thrive in his role as an astronaut and mentor was profoundly moving. As we said our goodbyes, Richard and I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of pride and gratitude. Our sons left with wide eyes and bigger dreams, inspired by the amazing potential future of humanity and the remarkable legacy of our friend Victor Glover.

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Learn more about the Artemis II mission here: NASA Artemis II Discover the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory: NBL Overview Explore NASA’s Mission Control Center: Mission Control