Last month I finally got up close and personal with the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft. I am now making regular visits to the Lockheed Martin Space Systems facility in Littleton, Colorado, where OSIRIS-REx is under construction. However, during most of these visits, I only get to see the spacecraft from the viewing gallery on the third floor, where I can look down on the vehicle and see the technicians at work. This last visit was different – I actually suited up in full clean room gear and inspected the spacecraft at close range. I can’t fully describe the thrill of seeing over a decade of hard work by hundreds of people come to life in front of my eyes.

Kevin Walsh (left) and I pose for a shot with OSIRIS-REx in the background.

I was joined on the tour by Kevin Walsh, Lead Regolith Scientist for OSIRIS-REx. Kevin and I were…