Mandala Drum Blog

Lieutenant Major Scott Carpenter (USN) wished “Godspeed” to friend and colleague Lieutenant Colonel John Glenn (USMC) as Friendship 7 launched from Cape Canaveral on February 20, 1962. It was the first U.S. manned orbital mission flight. Ever since, “Godspeed” has been the salutation to astronauts on the launch pad. And so today we wish Godspeed to our fellow Mandala Drum player, Captain Christopher Ferguson (USN), and his crew. Captain Ferguson will command the space shuttle Endeavour mission STS-126 targeted for launch on November 14, 2008.

Endeavour will carry a reusable logistics module that will hold supplies and equipment essential to sustain a crew of six on the International Space Station, including additional crew quarters, a regenerative life support system and a Resistive Exercise Device (RED). In Ferguson’s words, “It’s moving day.” The module is in essence a new kitchen, bathroom and bunk room so that the International Space Station can support a larger crew. We here on earth can only speculate as to whether the new digs will have a recreation room complete with a Mandala setup. It’s possible!

Captain Ferguson is the drummer for the all astronaut rock band, Max Q. In recent correspondence with Captain Ferguson, he had great things to say about his Mandala and added that his son is learning to play the drums using it. We’ll do our best to get everybody a sound clip and a playing schedule for Max Q sometime after the Captain’s return. Until then let’s ALL focus on pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

Godspeed, Endeavour STS-126