Growing Up An Astronaut Kid In The Glorious 80s

The Fascination of Space Exploration in the 80s

The 1980s were a time of great excitement and exploration, especially for kids who were dreamers and had their sights set on the wonders of space. Growing up as an astronaut kid during this period was nothing short of thrilling. TV shows, movies, toys, and the overall enthusiasm around space exploration made this era truly special. In this article, we will delve into the experiences and memories of those who grew up as astronaut kids in the glorious 80s.

The Impact of Pop Culture

Pop culture played a significant role in shaping the aspirations and dreams of astronaut kids in the 80s. Television shows like "The Jetsons" and "Star Trek" ignited imaginations and turned the concept of space travel into a household fascination. Movies such as "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" and "The Last Starfighter" captured the essence of adventure and exploration, leaving us awestruck.

The influence extended beyond the screen, with astronaut action figures and toys becoming coveted possessions. Every astronaut kid had a collection of these toys, which allowed us to project ourselves into the vastness of space and imagine infinite possibilities.

The Father, Son, and Holy Shuttle: Growing Up an Astronaut's Kid in the Glorious 80s

by Patrick Mullane(Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4175 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	273 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Family Time and Collective Dreams

Family time was often centered around space-themed activities. Families would gather around the TV to watch the latest episodes of "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan or to witness the iconic Space Shuttle launches. The atmosphere was filled with a collective thirst for knowledge and a shared sense of pride in humanity's achievements.

Parents encouraged their astronaut kids to join space-related clubs, visit planetariums and museums, and read books about astronomy. They understood the importance of fostering curiosity and cultivating a love for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM),paving the way for future space explorers.

The Magic of Science and Technology

The 80s witnessed significant advancements in science and technology. This era marked the launch of the first space shuttle missions, capturing the world's attention and inspiring generations to reach for the stars.

Astronaut kids in the 80s were fortunate enough to witness groundbreaking discoveries like the Voyager probes' encounters with Jupiter and Saturn, as well as the groundbreaking images they captured. Each new breakthrough added to the excitement and fueled our imagination even further.

Lessons Learned and Lifelong Memories

While the 80s may seem like a distant memory, the experiences and memories of being an astronaut kid during that time have left an indelible mark on our lives. They taught us the importance of dreaming big, embracing curiosity, and pursuing our passions. The spirit of exploration and discovery lives on in the hearts of those who grew up during that remarkable period.

As we reflect on our childhood as astronaut kids, we are filled with gratitude for the opportunities and inspiration that shaped our lives. The 80s will forever remain a time of wonder and encouragement, reminding us that even the sky is not the limit.

The 80s provided a unique and magical backdrop for those who grew up as astronaut kids. The pop culture, family engagements, and scientific milestones all came together to create an environment that fostered the dreams and aspirations of young space enthusiasts.

While we may have grown up, the spirit of the 80s continues to inspire us. As we look back on those formative years, we cherish the memories and the lasting impact they have had on our lives. Growing up as an astronaut kid in the glorious 80s was a time filled with exploration, wonder, and an unwavering belief that any dream can become a reality.

The Father, Son, and Holy Shuttle: Growing Up an Astronaut's Kid in the Glorious 80s

by Patrick Mullane(Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4175 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	273 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The families behind America’s astronaut heroes are just like yours … sort of. This is the hilarious true story of one of those families.

While many children grow up wanting to become an astronaut, Patrick Mullane grew up the child of one. In his memoir, The Father, Son, and Holy Shuttle: Growing Up an Astronaut’s Kid in the Glorious 80s, Mullane shares his hilarious coming-of-age story. It’s a story about his quirky and death-defying father, a mother with a secret, and a cast of characters from his extended family who showed their love for him in often bizarre ways. 

In 1978, when Mullane was ten years old, his father, Mike Mullane, was chosen in the very first group of space shuttle astronauts – a group that included Sally Ride (America’s first woman in space) and four members of the Challenger crew who were lost when it tore apart in 1986. In The Father, Son, and Holy Shuttle, Mullane tells of how his father’s profession defined him, first as a young “military brat” hopping from base to base with his parents and two sisters, and then as a pimple-faced, unknown nerd in a large Houston high school where he often felt like one of the pathetic underdog characters in a John Hughes film of the day. The Father, Son, and Holy Shuttle is about Mullane’s hilarious efforts to be a hero in his own world as he believed his father and his pop culture icons – Indiana Jones, Han Solo, and Luke Skywalker – were in theirs.

The Father, Son, and Holy Shuttle is an uplifting story at a time when the world desperately needs one. With each turned page, you will hope that there is just one more paragraph, one more chapter, one more gut-busting laugh waiting. And you will come to appreciate in a way never before possible the sacrifices “astro families” make for their astronaut loved one, for their nation, and for each other.