I have been an aviation and space enthusiast for over 40 years. As a child, I designed and built model rockets. My first solo aircraft flight was August 26, 1971. At M.I.T., I was a member of the design team that developed the first prototype of the all-electronic aircraft cockpit. I am currently a member of Team Encounter, the planetary Society, and am a founding member of the Smithsonian Air and Space Society.