# balettie.com

> Photography, travel, spaceflight history, and personal reflections from Roger Balettie, former NASA Space Shuttle Flight Dynamics Officer.

Site: https://balettie.com

## Core Pages

- [The Cathedral of Manned Spaceflight: A Flight Controller's Reflection on NASA Mission Control -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/the-cathedral/): Mission Control was more than a room. It was the Cathedral of Manned Spaceflight. Personal reflections from a former NASA Flight Dynamics Officer.
- [Remembrance -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/remembrance/): For those of us who have been intimately involved with Manned Spaceflight or if you have been interested and valued supporters from outside the program, the week from January 27 - February 1 is a particularly somber time of the year. Remembrance.
- [Forty Years On -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/forty-years-on/): Some events are not meant to be recalled once a year and set aside.
- [Forward, with eyes open -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/forward-with-eyes-open/): We continue because stopping was never Challenger's final lesson.
- [Exploration is still personal -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/exploration-is-still-personal/): Remembering Challenger reminds us that exploration carries weight, and that weight is borne by human judgment long before it is borne by hardware.
- [Tools do not carry responsibility -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/tools-do-not-carry-responsibility/): The tools will not remember Challenger. That obligation remains ours.
- [Progress without amnesia -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/progress-without-amnesia/): Remembering Challenger is not an argument against progress.
- [The hardest words to say -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/the-hardest-words-to-say/): Courage in engineering rarely looks heroic.
- [Remembrance is a discipline -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/remembrance-is-a-discipline/): Remembrance is a deliberate act, performed regularly, to prevent the slow drift toward normalization.
- [Forty years is not distance -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/forty-years-is-not-distance/): Time does not soften truth. It tests whether we are still willing to look at it directly.
- [Sedona 2022 Travel Journal -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/sedona-2022-travel-journal/): Travel journal and photos for an amazing trip to the beautiful red rocks of Sedona, Arizona!
- [50 Years -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/50-years/): The Artemis I mission occurred 50 years after Apollo 17. What will it take to not have this happen again?
- [England 2022 - travel journal -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/england-2022-travel-journal/): Another round of travel journals for a visit to the beautiful Cotswold region of England.
- [Becoming Santa -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/becoming-santa/): Santa Claus. Father Christmas. Kris Kringle. St. Nicholas. Papa Noel. Me.
- [13 Minutes - a podcast review -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/13-minutes-a-podcast-review/): "13 Minutes to the Moon" - an excellent BBC podcast focusing on the behind-the-scenes heroes of Apollo 11 and Apollo 13.
- [Alright Alright Alright! -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/alright-alright-alright/): Alright Alright Alright! Our first Austin FC experience live at Q2 Stadium!
- [Countdown -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/countdown/): It's been 40 years since the launch of STS-1, and the excitement of that day never faded.
- [Tango Delta -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/tango-delta/): A new adventure on the red planet has begun.
- [Words on a Chalkboard -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/words-on-a-chalkboard/): 35 years ago, I saw two faded words on a chalkboard. They influenced the rest of my NASA career.
- [Apollo 11: What We Saw -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/apollo-11-what-we-saw/): Repost of Bill Whittle's fantastic "Apollo 11: What We Saw" video series.
- [Incremental Successes -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/incremental-successes/): Another historic day in United States Human Spaceflight with the launch of SpaceX Crew Dragon on the DM-2 mission.
- [Demanding Situations -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/demanding-situations/): Apollo 13 was more than just a "successful failure".
- [If you can't be good, be colorful -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/be-colorful/): Always be COLORFUL!
- [Per Aspera -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/per-aspera/): A review of "Ad Astra" with a focus towards the deeper plot.
- [All about that (Double) Bass -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/all-about-that-double-bass/): Life lessons from the love of music... and a corny joke.
- [A woodpecker did WHAT? -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/a-woodpecker-did-what/): In 1995 on STS-70, a woodpecker brought the US space program to a sudden halt.
- [Apollo 50: Go for the Moon. -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/apollo-50-go-for-the-moon/): It's finally here: the full video of "Apollo 50: Go for the Moon" projection show!
- [Next Giant Leap -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/next-giant-leap/): It's time for that Next Giant Leap. Back to the Moon and on to Mars.
- [One Giant Influence -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/one-giant-influence/): Celebrating that "One Giant Step" and the personal influence it had...
- [Restore, but don't remove. -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/restore-but-dont-remove/): Restoration of the Apollo 11 MCC shouldn't mean the removal of the rest of that room's history.
- [My last FDO Console Log Book entries -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/last-log-book-entries/): Recently, I was back at JSC and got to see some old Manned Spaceflight artifacts - including the FDO Console log book from my last flight.
- [Two Years! -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/two-years/): Grandpa's little buddy - TWO YEARS OLD!!!
- [Please be informed... -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/please-be-informed/): A remembrance from the Apollo 8 Mission Control Center - 50 years ago today.
- [Faro-la Faro-li! -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/faro-la-faro-li/): I love the old black-and-white Universal monster movies, and I'm not afraid to admit it!
- [First Meh -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/first-meh/): My review of the movie "First Man" - read at your own risk. ;)
- [Fairy Falls -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/fairy-falls/): The Best Little Hike in Yellowstone
- [Kallmunz -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/kallmunz/): Kallmunz was an interesting Bavarian gem that was enjoyed several times during some work trips to Germany.
- [Broadway Tower -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/broadway-tower/): The Highest Little Castle in the Cotswolds
- [Pompeii -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/pompeii/): A tangible feeling of history in ancient Pompeii.
- [Taggart Lake Hike -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/taggart-lake-hike/): Hiking Taggart Lake and Bradley Lake at the base of the Grand Tetons.
- [Ebrington and St. Eadburgha's -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/ebrington-and-st-eadburghas/): The joy of England isn't in London ... it's in the small Cotswolds villages with interesting places. Ebrington is a perfect example, with the requisite pub and church!
- [An Afternoon in Veurne -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/an-afternoon-in-veurne/): Belgian chocolates, beer, and a great off-the-beaten-path Belgian town on a sunny afternoon.
- [Chichen Itza -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/chichen-itza/): Chichen Itza remains as a mysterious ancient city rising out of the jungle that surrounds it.
- [Witnessing History - SpaceX -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/witnessing-history-spacex/): If you're fortunate to live long enough, you'll have numerous events that may seem historic at the moment that actually stand the test of time and retain that cherished "Historic Moment" description.
- [The World is a Book... -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/the-world-is-a-book/): Travel is a passion of mine. Finding interesting places off-the-beaten-path are even more exciting! This post starts a journey that will touch on a series of those interesting places that I've visited over the years.
- [Now what? -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/now-what/): Be the one who recognizes...
- [Greater than the sum... -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/greater-than-the-sum/): "Greater than the sum of our parts..." - a review of the movie "Mission Control: The Unsung Heroes of Apollo"
- [The First Time... -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/the-first-time/): There's no "first time" better than seeing your grandchild for the first time!
- [Godspeed Grandpa -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/godspeed-grandpa/): Saying farewell and Godspeed to Grandpa in the best way possible.
- [OV-102 and me -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/ov-102-and-me/): Some photos and memories of the Space Shuttle Columbia at Ellington AFB in 1995.
- [BVI 2016 videos](https://balettie.com/bvi-2016-videos/): Highlights videos from our trip to the BVI
- [England 2016 - even more photos and travel journal goodness! -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/england-2016-even-photos-travel-journal-goodness/): Travel journals and photos from Andrew and Roger's 2016 trip to England!
- [30 years on: Lessons from Challenger -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/30-years-on-lessons-from-challenger/): Personal and professional lessons from Challenger and the Foundations of Mission Operations
- [High Flight -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/high-flight/): High Flight - written by American aviator and poet John Gillespie Magee, Jr.
- [Saving Interstellar Private Watney -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/saving-interstellar-private-watney/): My review of "The Martian", the film adaptation of Andy Weir's excellent book of the same name.
- [Third place isn't so bad! -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/third-place-isnt-so-bad/): Taking third place in a photo contest in England is actually a pretty cool thing!
- [USMNT Gold Cup 2015 opener -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/usmnt-gold-cup-2015-opener/): Andrew and I had a great time at the USMNT Gold Cup 2015 opening match!
- [England 2015 - the photos and travel journal -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/england-2015-the-photos-and-travel-journal/): Photos and travel journal from our recent amazing trip to England!
- [50 years of Mission Control](https://balettie.com/50-years-of-mission-control/): Celebrating a half-century of NASA's Mission Control Center - the heart of manned spaceflight operations!
- [Keep Calm and... -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/keep-calm-and/): Keep Calm and Go To England. Okay! :)
- [Remembering Discovery -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/remembering-discovery/): Memories and tons of photos from being a part of the Space Shuttle Discovery delivery and installation in the Udvar-Hazy National Air & Space Museum.
- [Remember. -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/remember/): A first-hand memory of the STS-51L Accident, by former Flight Dynamics Officer Roger Balettie
- [Experience a little bit of space history for yourself... -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/experience-a-little-bit-of-space-history-for-yourself/): Experience some space history through the actual Apollo 13 Air-to-Ground comms.
- [Gravity - it's not just a suggestion... -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/gravity-its-not-just-a-suggestion/): A critical review of the movie "Gravity". Some good... some not so good.
- [In the company of heroes -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/in-the-company-of-heroes/): My journal - taking my Grandfather on his Honor Flight adventure to Washington D.C. to visit the memorials.
- [Progress marches on... but it still can be sad sometimes -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/progress-marches-on/): Seeing the new MCC-21 (21st Century Mission Control Center) project evoked some memories.
- [Chris Kraft pulls no punches](https://balettie.com/chris-kraft-pulls-no-punches/): A great summary by Chris Kraft on the direction of the US Manned Spaceflight program
- [Noctilucent Clouds and you -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/noctilucent-clouds-and-you/): A nice video of Noctilucent Clouds and a reflection on their impact on Shuttle Flight Operations.
- [Orbital Velocity... and great analogies -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/orbital-velocity-and-great-analogies/): A great example from the xkcd web comic on orbital velocity ... and a quick analogy with Shuttle operations.
- [The Free Frontier -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/the-free-frontier/): Bill Whittle pulls no punches ... and gives an honest assessment of our space exploration program.
- [One-Way Astronaut -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/one-way-astronaut/): My thoughts on the "One-Way Astronaut" proposal
- [Meanwhile... on the surface of Mars... -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/meanwhile-on-the-surface-of-mars/): An amazing set of images, showing the tracks of the Mars Curiosity Rover!
- [New COSMOS trailer -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/new-cosmos-trailer/): Originally... thrilled with the new COSMOS trailer. Update ... not so much.
- [The End -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/the-end/): Reflections on the end of the Space Shuttle program
- [Atlantis debuts in her "forever home"...](https://balettie.com/atlantis-debuts-in-her-forever-home/): The Space Shuttle Atlantis debuts in her new "forever home" at KSC.
- [SCIENCE! -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/science/): Buzz Aldrin and Thomas Dolby sing a live version of "She Blinded Me With Science!"
- [Operation Overlord/D-Day - June 6, 1944 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/operation-overlordd-day-june-6-1944/): Take some time today to remember those brave men who made the ultimate sacrifice as part of the D-Day Normandy invasion in World War II.
- [Has America lost its "exploratory compass"? -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/has-america-lost-its-exploratory-compass/): Neil DeGrasse Tyson asks some pointed questions about our space exploration efforts.
- [Where have they gone? -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/where-have-they-gone/): Comments on an article about former Space Shuttle Flight Controllers.
- [Here we go again... -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/here-we-go-again/): Here we go again, into the breach for job hunting.
- [7 Days That Shook The World](https://balettie.com/7-days-that-shook-the-world/): This Easter, remember what we are doing, and why.
- [TALLY HO on PANSTARRS! -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/tally-ho/): Awesome... got my first glimpse of Comet PANSTARRS tonight!
- [Comet PANSTARRS](https://balettie.com/comet-panstarrs/): Comet PANSTARRS will soon be seen in the northern hemisphere!
- [Decide in your heart... -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/decide-in-your-heart/): A great comic strip about Astronaut Chris Hadfield, from the Zenpencils website
- ["Mission Control" just ain't what it used to be... -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/mission-control-just-aint-what-it-used-to-be/): If you're in a Mission Control Center - Act like you've been there before.
- [Pioneers! O Pioneers! -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/pioneers-o-pioneers/): Walt Whitman's classic poem "Pioneers! O Pioneers!"
- [Some thoughts about some people who did some stuff... -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/some-thoughts-about-some-people-who-did-some-stuff/): As the last Space Shuttle mission comes to a close, I have some thoughts about the men and women of Mission Control.
- [The end of an era... -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/the-end-of-an-era/): Reflections at the end of the Space Shuttle era.
- [All is well](https://balettie.com/all-is-well/): The poem that I used for Grandma's eulogy.
- [Roger Balettie | Travel, Photography, Stories & Exploration -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/): Travel journals, photography, and stories from around the world. Explore destinations, memorable moments, and reflections from traveler, photographer, and former NASA Flight Controller Roger Balettie.
- [Mission Control Center (MCC) | NASA Shuttle Flight Controllers & Spaceflight Operations -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/mcc/): Step inside NASA's Mission Control Center (MCC) and explore the people, consoles, flight controllers, culture, history, and operations that supported Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, the Space Shuttle, ISS, and Artemis missions.
- [-T H E T R E N C H-](https://balettie.com/space/): -THETRENCH- is the Space Exploration advocacy website of former Flight Dynamics Officer, Roger Balettie.
- [photos.balettie.com -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/photos/): Photos of us, our travels, family events, and other fun stuff!
- [Travel -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/): We've been places. Come travel with us!
- [About Roger Balettie | Traveler, Photographer, & Former NASA Flight Controller -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/roger/): Just a little bit about me - Roger Balettie: Husband, Father, Space Cadet.
- [Contact -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/contact/): Want to contact me? This is where you do it. :)
- [Random Ramjet Ramblings -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/blog/): My blog entries - covering topics every bit as random as the title may suggest!

## Company

- [Reflections on my career as a FDO -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/space/career/): I was blessed to have been able to spend 12 years in the Space Shuttle Mission Control Center as a Flight Dynamics Officer.

## Other Pages

- [Logos in Mission Control -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/mcc/mcc-logo/): A history of the logos used in NASA's Mission Control Center (presented by -THETRENCH-)
- [Why The Trench Exists | From Apollo 11 Dreamer to NASA Mission Control -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/space/why-the-trench-exists/): Inspired by Apollo 11, Roger Balettie pursued a career in aerospace engineering and spent twelve years in NASA Mission Control as a Flight Dynamics Officer. Discover the story behind The Trench and the passion for space exploration that continues today.
- [The Flight Controller's Creed | Mission Control Values and Legacy -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/mcc/creed/): Explore the Flight Controller's Creed that shaped generations of NASA Mission Controllers. Learn its origins after Apollo 1, its connection to Gene Kranz, and how its principles guided teams through Challenger, Columbia, and the Space Shuttle era.
- [Space Shuttle Landing Sites and Landing Operations | Mission Control Reference -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/mcc/landingsiteinfo/): Explore the worldwide Space Shuttle landing sites, including KSC, Edwards, TAL and ECAL sites, landing site selection criteria, Flight Dynamics Officer procedures, historical landing records, and original Mission Control reference material.
- [Atomic Fireballs](https://balettie.com/mcc/atomic-fireballs/): Discover the story behind Atomic Fireballs in NASA Mission Control. Learn how a simple cinnamon candy became a Flight Dynamics Officer tradition during the Space Shuttle era and an enduring part of Mission Control culture.
- [-thetrench- blog -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/space/thetrench-blog/): -thetrench- blog -balettiedotcom-
- [Sedona 2022 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/sedona-2022/): Our spectacular getaway to the scenic red rocks of Sedona, Arizona in October 2022.
- [UK/Norway 2025 Travel Journal -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/uk-norway-2025-travel-journal/): UK/Norway 2025 Travel Journal -balettiedotcom-
- [Sedona 2022 - Day 4 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/sedona-2022/sedona-2022-day-4/): Sedona 2022 - Day 4 -balettiedotcom-
- [Sedona 2022 - Day 3 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/sedona-2022/sedona-2022-day-3/): Sedona 2022 - Day 3 -balettiedotcom-
- [Sedona 2022 - Day 2 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/sedona-2022/sedona-2022-day-2/): Midgley Bridge, La Mariposa, and Airport Mesa sunset
- [Sedona 2022 - Day 1 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/sedona-2022/sedona-2022-day-1/): Arrival, Chapel of the Holy Cross, and first sunset
- [England 2022 - Day 15 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2022/england-2022-day-15/): Cotswold Way and Farewell - a walk on the Cotswold Way and saying "until next time".
- [England 2022 - Day 14 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2022/england-2022-day-14/): Birthday Boy and The Chip - tons of photos around Chipping Campden and celebrating a BIG EVENT
- [England 2022 - Day 13 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2022/england-2022-day-13/): Recovery day and The Bell
- [England 2022 - Day 12 - part 2 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2022/england-2022-day-12b/): Ruins, scenic views, and great food! - Hailes Abbey and Dover's Hill
- [England 2022 - Day 12 - part 1 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2022/england-2022-day-12a/): All aboard! - an amazing ride through the Cotswolds on a GWSR steam train
- [England 2022 - Day 11 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2022/england-2022-day-11/): Birthday lunch and family history - stories and laughs at The Vic
- [England 2022 - Day 10 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2022/england-2022-day-10/): Butterflies and giant wheels - fun in Stratford-upon-Avon
- [England 2022 - Day 9 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2022/england-2022-day-9/): Rhinos and meerkats and trains! OH MY! - adventures at the Cotswold Wildlife Park
- [England 2022 - Day 8 - part 2 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2022/england-2022-day-8b/): Two churches, one pub, and a mystical door!
- [England 2022 - Day 8 - part 1 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2022/england-2022-day-8a/): Stones and Witches - exploring the mystical Rollright Stones
- [England 2022 - Days 6-7 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2022/england-2022-days-6-7/): HOT days and The Hook - enjoying the cool inside and having a great meal at the fabulous Hook restaurant
- [England 2022 - Day 5 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2022/england-2022-day-5/): Lavender fields and Snowshill - beautiful rolling fields of lavender and an iconic Cotswold view
- [England 2022 - Day 4 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2022/england-2022-day-4/): Adventures in Bibury and Arlington Row - one of the most picturesque villages in the Cotswolds
- [England 2022 - Day 2 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2022/england-2022-day-2/): A trip down Memory Lane (or at least a Cotswold country lane) - revisiting Ebrington.
- [England 2022 - Day 3 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2022/england-2022-day-3/): Ye Olde Royale Wedding - Mark and Jess Edwards' nuptial celebrations!
- [England 2022 - Day 1 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2022/england-2022-day-1/): From Drippin' to Chippin' - it's time to return to the Cotswolds. A lovely reintroduction to Charingworth Manor sets the stage for a great vacation.
- [England 2022 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2022/): Roger has an amazing 2 weeks in England to be a part of a beautiful wedding, visit new sites, and just "spend time" with our English family!
- [Tributes -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/space/tributes/): Memories are meant to be remembered and the lost are meant to be honored.
- [Mediterranean Cruise - Day 9 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/med-cruise-2005/med-cruise-day-9/): October 21, 2005 - Menorca and heading home
- [Mediterranean Cruise - Day 8 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/med-cruise-2005/med-cruise-day-8/): October 20, 2005 - Barcelona - cathedrals, museums, and other sights!
- [Mediterranean Cruise - Day 7 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/med-cruise-2005/med-cruise-day-7/): October 19, 2005 - Sanary Sur Mer!
- [Mediterranean Cruise - Day 6 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/med-cruise-2005/med-cruise-day-6/): October 18, 2005 - Florence!
- [Mediterranean Cruise - Day 5 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/med-cruise-2005/med-cruise-day-5/): October 17, 2005 - Portofino, San Fruttuoso, and Camogli!
- [Mediterranean Cruise - Day 4 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/med-cruise-2005/med-cruise-day-4/): October 16, 2005 - Sorrento, Pompeii, Positano, and Capri!
- [Mediterranean Cruise - Day 3 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/med-cruise-2005/med-cruise-day-3/): October 15, 2005 - Boarding the SS Voyager
- [Mediterranean Cruise - Day 2 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/med-cruise-2005/med-cruise-day-2/): October 14, 2005 - The Vatican, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and Italian piazzas!
- [Mediterranean Cruise - Day 1 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/med-cruise-2005/med-cruise-day-1/): October 13, 2005 - Rome arrival, Colosseum, Roman Forum, and The Pantheon!
- [Mediterranean Cruise 2005 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/med-cruise-2005/): Roger, Kathy, Paul, and Geri spend a week in Italy and various ports-of-call in the Mediterranean!
- [FDO Console Log (Shuttle) -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/mcc/fdo-console-log/): List of Flight Dynamics Officer (FDO) Mission Control Center (MCC) Console Support for Space Shuttle missions STS-1 - STS-97 (presented by -THETRENCH-)
- [Former FDOs -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/mcc/former-fdos/): Former Flight Dynamics Officer (FDO) Hall of Fame (presented by -THETRENCH-)
- [Space exploration is 'destiny' -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/space/space-exploration-destiny/): As a former NASA Flight Dynamics Officer, Roger Balettie knows it takes only one thing to go wrong...
- [England 2016 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2016/): Roger and Andrew take an awesome father-son trip to England to take in pubs, soccer, and fun with our English family!
- [England 2016 - Day 7 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2016/england-2016-day-7/): March 13, 2016 - England Day 7. Villa v Spurs
- [England 2016 - Day 6 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2016/england-2016-day-6/): March 12, 2016 - England Day 6. Stoke v Southampton
- [England 2016 - Day 5b -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2016/england-2016-day-5b/): March 11, 2016 - England Day 5b. Oxford
- [England 2016 - Day 5a -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2016/england-2016-day-5a/): March 11, 2016 - England Day 5a. British Motor Museum
- [England 2016 - Day 4 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2016/england-2016-day-4/): March 10, 2016 - England Day 4. Range Rover driving adventures
- [England 2016 - Day 3 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2016/england-2016-day-3/): March 9, 2016 - England Day 3. Flooded Cotswolds explorations
- [England 2016 - Day 2 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2016/england-2016-day-2/): March 8, 2016 - England Day 2. Guns, pubs, and churches
- [England 2016 - Day 1 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2016/england-2016-day-1/): March 7, 2016 - England Day 1. London, Charingworth, and Oakleigh House
- [Rules for Dating My Daughter -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/roger/rules-for-dating-my-daughter/): The rules for dating my daughter are simple ... just don't break them.
- [England 2001 - Day 14 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2001/england-2001-day-14/): June 29, 2001 - England Day 14: "The King and I" and the "Disco Dinner"
- [England 2001 - Day 13 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2001/england-2001-day-13/): June 28, 2001 - England Day 13: Wimbledon!
- [England 2001 - Day 12 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2001/england-2001-day-12/): June 27, 2001 - England Day 12: Rover factory tour and "time off" in Stratford
- [England 2001 - Day 11 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2001/england-2001-day-11/): June 26, 2001 - England Day 11: Warwick Castle and Shakespeare - Heritage Day
- [England 2001 - Day 10 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2001/england-2001-day-10/): June 25, 2001 - England Day 10: School lunch, Cotswold shopping, and Cottage feasts
- [England 2001 - Day 9 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2001/england-2001-day-9/): June 24, 2001 - England Day 9: English barbeque and cricket!
- [England 2001 - Day 8 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2001/england-2001-day-8/): June 23, 2001 - England Day 8: Stratford walkabout and "Invasion of the Baletties"
- [England 2001 - Day 7 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2001/england-2001-day-7/): June 22, 2001 - England Day 7: Practice, shopping, lunch, and "Welcome to Mill Cottage"
- [England 2001 - Day 6 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2001/england-2001-day-6/): June 21, 2001 - England Day 6: Guildford-to-Stratford - Now entering the Edwards Zone!
- [England 2001 - Day 5 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2001/england-2001-day-5/): June 20, 2001 - England Day 5: France, Belgium, and the White Cliffs of Dover!
- [England 2001 - Day 4 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2001/england-2001-day-4/): June 19, 2001 - England Day 4: London, Day Two: "Eye on the Tower"
- [England 2001 - Day 3 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2001/england-2001-day-3/): June 18, 2001 - England Day 3: London, Day One: "The Great Walk"
- [England 2001 - Day 2 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2001/england-2001-day-2/): June 17, 2001 - England Day 2: Guildford, Castle Ruins, and the Surrounding Areas
- [England 2001 - Days 0 and 1 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2001/england-2001-days-0-and-1/): June 15-16, 2001 - England Days 0 and 1: Arrival, Recovery, and Indian food!
- [Hawaii 2007 - Days 10 and 11 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/hawaii-2007/hawaii-2007-days-10-and-11/): June 23-24, 2007 - Hawaii Days 10 and 11: North Coast and going home
- [Hawaii 2007 - Days 8 and 9 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/hawaii-2007/hawaii-2007-days-8-and-9/): June 21-22, 2007 - Hawaii Days 8 and 9: Anniversary dinners, horses, and family photos
- [Hawaii 2007 - Day 7b -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/hawaii-2007/hawaii-2007-day-7b/): June 19-20, 2007 - Hawaii Days 6 and 7: Canyons and Valleys
- [Hawaii 2007 - Days 6 and 7 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/hawaii-2007/hawaii-2007-days-6-and-7/): June 19-20, 2007 - Hawaii Days 6 and 7: Canyons and Valleys
- [Hawaii 2007 - Day 5 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/hawaii-2007/hawaii-2007-day-5/): June 18, 2007 - Hawaii Day 5: Na Pali Coast
- [Hawaii 2007 - Day 4 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/hawaii-2007/hawaii-2007-day-4/): June 17, 2007 - Hawaii Day 4: Island hopping and resort lounging
- [Hawaii 2007 - Day 3b -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/hawaii-2007/hawaii-2007-day-3b/): June 16, 2007 - Hawaii Day 3b: Pearl Harbor and the "Mighty Mo"!
- [Hawaii 2007 - Day 3a -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/hawaii-2007/hawaii-2007-day-3a/): June 16, 2007 - Hawaii Day 3a: Early morning snorkeling at the world-famous Hanauma Bay!
- [England 2006 - Day 8 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2006/england-2006-day-8/): July 21, 2006 - England Day 8: Triple H
- [England 2006 - Day 7d -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2006/england-2006-day-7d/): July 20, 2006 - England Day 7d: The steps of DOOM!!!
- [England 2006 - Day 7c -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2006/england-2006-day-7c/): July 20, 2006 - England Day 7c: Oakleigh House
- [England 2006 - Day 7b -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2006/england-2006-day-7b/): July 20, 2006 - England Day 7b: Do you have a Grail?
- [England 2006 - Day 7a -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2006/england-2006-day-7a/): July 20, 2006 - England Day 7a: Give my regards...
- [England 2006 - Day 6 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2006/england-2006-day-6/): July 19, 2006 - England Day 6: Hiking the Malverns
- [England 2006 - Day 5c -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2006/england-2006-day-5c/): July 18, 2006 - England Day 5c: Throwing Stones
- [England 2006 - Day 5b -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2006/england-2006-day-5b/): July 18, 2006 - England Day 5b: Storming the Castle
- [England 2006 - Day 5a -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2006/england-2006-day-5a/): July 18, 2006 - England Day 5a: Shakespeare Country
- [England 2006 - Day 4 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2006/england-2006-day-4/): July 17, 2006 - England Day 4: Castles and Pubs
- [England 2006 - Day 3 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2006/england-2006-day-3/): July 16, 2006 - England Day 3: Football and horseshoes
- [England 2006 - Day 2 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2006/england-2006-day-2/): July 15, 2006 - England Day 2: Towers and Traffic
- [England 2006 - Day 1b -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2006/england-2006-day-1b/): July 14, 2006 - England Day 1b: Pubs and Palaces
- [England 2006 - Day 1a -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2006/england-2006-day-1a/): May 19, 2015 - England Day 1. Arrival in London, touring Westminster, afternoon and sunset London Eye rotations!
- [England 2006 - Day 0 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2006/england-2006-day-0/): July 13, 2006 - England 2006 Day 0: Arrival in London.
- [England 1997 - Day 8 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-1997/england-1997-day-8/): December 21, 1997 - England Day 8. London again... The Ritz and Buddy!
- [England 1997 - Day 7 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-1997/england-1997-day-7/): December 20, 1997 - England Day 7. Sir Cliff and the food!
- [England 1997 - Day 6 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-1997/england-1997-day-6/): December 19, 1997 - England Day 6. The Cotswolds in style!
- [England 1997 - Day 5 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-1997/england-1997-day-5/): December 18, 1997 - England Day 5. Traveling
- [England 1997 - Day 4 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-1997/england-1997-day-4/): December 17, 1997 - England Day 4. It's a cold day in Scotland!
- [England 1997 - Day 3 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-1997/england-1997-day-3/): December 16, 1997 - England Day 3. Skibo Castle!
- [England 1997 - Day 2 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-1997/england-1997-day-2/): December 15, 1997 - England Day 2. London!
- [England 1997 - Day 1 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-1997/england-1997-day-1/): December 14, 1997 - England Day 1. I arrive again!
- [England 1996 - Day 7 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-1996/england-1996-day-7/): November 30, 1996 - England Day 7. Aston Villa and the farewell dinner!!
- [England 1996 - Day 6 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-1996/england-1996-day-6/): November 29, 1996 - England Day 6. Stratford High and Warwick Castle!
- [England 1996 - Day 5 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-1996/england-1996-day-5/): November 28, 1996 - England Day 5. St. Egwin's and the RSC!
- [England 1996 - Day 4 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-1996/england-1996-day-4/): November 27, 1996 - England Day 4. Coughton Hall and touring the Cotswolds.
- [England 1996 - Day 3 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-1996/england-1996-day-3/): November 26, 1996 - England Day 3. Touring Stratford and the "Gala"!
- [England 1996 - Day 1 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-1996/england-1996-day-1/): November 24, 1996 - England Day 1. I arrive!
- [England 1996 - Day 2 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-1996/england-1996-day-2/): November 25, 1996 - England Day 2. Touring the Midlands!
- [Hawaii 2007 - Days 1 and 2 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/hawaii-2007/hawaii-2007-days-1-and-2/): June 14-15, 2007 - Hawaii Days 1 and 2: Hawai'ian arrival and churning volcanoes!
- [Hawaii 2007 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/hawaii-2007/): Roger, Kathy, Melanie, and Andrew embarked on an amazing adventure to the Hawai'ian islands!
- [England 2015 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england2015/): Roger and Kathy return to England to visit our dear friends (family!) John, Marianne, and Mark Edwards - this time with Kathy's sister, LeAnn!
- [England 2015 - Day 11 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england2015/england-2015-day-11/): May 29, 2015 - England Day 11. Visiting a Roman archeological site and destroying any semblance of gastronomic sanity at a meeting of The Pudding Club
- [England 2015 - Day 10 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england2015/england-2015-day-10/): May 28, 2015 - England Day 10. Storming a new castle - the "slighted" ruins of Kenilworth Castle, some Broadway shopping, and Charingworth glamour shots!
- [England 2015 - Day 9 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england2015/england-2015-day-9/): May 27, 2015 - England Day 9. A VIP presentation of priceless Shakespearean artifacts, then a tour of the Stratford-upon-Avon historical properties
- [England 2015 - Day 8 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england2015/england-2015-day-8/): May 26, 2015 - England Day 8. Storming the Castle, seeing new sights, and getting a VIP tour on top of the Great Hall (HELLOOOOO PEASANTS!!!)
- [England 2015 - Day 7 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england2015/england-2015-day-7/): May 25, 2015 - England Day 7. Charingworth window photos, the Shipston Wool Fair, a visit to Honington, and a dinner cruise on The Countess of Evesham
- [England 2015 - Day 6 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england2015/england-2015-day-6/): May 24, 2015 - England Day 6. An amazing VIP day at Villa Park watching Aston Villa's final home match of the 2014-2015 season!
- [England 2015 - Day 5 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england2015/england-2015-day-5/): May 23, 2015 - England Day 5. A morning walk to the nearby village of Ebrington (pub lunch and ancient church!) and then a FANTASTIC day at Chez Edwards.
- [England 2015 - Day 4 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england2015/england-2015-day-4/): May 22, 2015 - England Day 4. COTS101 - the orientation tour, Bourton-on-the-Water, and an evening at the RSC watching "The Merchant of Venice"
- [England 2015 - Day 3 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england2015/england-2015-day-3/): May 21, 2015 - England Day 3. Beautiful last day in London for a boat ride down the Thames, tour of the Tower of London, heading out to Charingworth Manor!
- [England 2015 - Day 2 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england2015/england-2015-day-2/): May 20, 2015 - England Day 2. Double-decker bus, Changing of the Guard, The Play That Goes Wrong, and more London night photos!
- [England 2015 - Day 1 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england2015/england-2015-day-1/): May 19, 2015 - England Day 1. Arrival in London, touring Westminster, afternoon and sunset London Eye rotations!
- [Mission Control - 50 years -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/mcc/mission-control-50-years/): A reflection on the upcoming "golden anniversary" of the Mission Control Center. (Presented by -THETRENCH-)
- [Mir Space Station Website - Interview -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/space/mir-website-interview/): An interview with Former Flight Dynamics Officer (FDO) Roger Balettie from the (now-defunct) Mir Space Station website.
- [STS-109 re-entry photos | -THETRENCH-](https://balettie.com/space/sts-109-entry/): Personal photos of the plasma trail left during the STS-109 Space Shuttle re-entry, as seen from Austin, TX (presented by -THETRENCH-)
- [England 2006 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2006/): The Balettie Bunch (Roger, Kathy, Melanie, and Andrew) invade England for 10 days of London, Castles, and loads of fun with the Edwardses in the Midlands!
- [Building the perfect deck](https://balettie.com/roger/deck/): An update to my original deck construction page using DekBlocks.
- [England 2001 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-2001/): Kathy and I take an overwhelming tour of London, northern Europe, the Cotswolds, and the English Midlands!
- [STS-51L: The Challenger Accident - Correcting some misconceptions... -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/space/maxson_rebuttal/): An online counterpoint review of a conspiracy-theory-promoting book about the STS-51L Challenger Accident.
- [England 1997 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-1997/): A return engagement! This time, England and Scotland during the week prior to Christmas... What a wonderful time!
- [England 1996 -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/travel/england-1996/): My first visit to England to visit the Edwardses! (travel journal)
- [Icarus Rising](https://balettie.com/space/icarus-rising/): A tribute to the crew of STS-51L (presented by -THETRENCH-)
- [Entry FDO displays -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/mcc/displays/displays-entry/): What is the Entry Flight Dynamics Officer (FDO) looking at? (presented by -THETRENCH-)
- [Orbit FDO displays -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/mcc/displays/displays-orbit/): What is the Orbit Flight Dynamics Officer (FDO) looking at? (presented by -THETRENCH-)
- [Ascent FDO displays](https://balettie.com/mcc/displays/displays-ascent/): What is the Ascent Flight Dynamics Officer (FDO) looking at? (presented by -THETRENCH-)
- [What is the FDO looking at? -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/mcc/displays/): What is the Flight Dynamics Officer (FDO) looking at? (presented by -THETRENCH-)
- [Rendezvous FDO -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/mcc/fdo/orbit-fdo/rndz-fdo/): -THETRENCH- presents this overview of the Rendezvous Flight Dynamics Officer (FDO), a Space Shuttle Mission Control Center Flight Control position.
- [Deploy FDO -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/mcc/fdo/orbit-fdo/deploy/): -THETRENCH- presents this overview of the Deploy Flight Dynamics Officer (FDO), a Space Shuttle Mission Control Center Flight Control position.
- [What is an Entry FDO? -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/mcc/fdo/entry-fdo/): -THETRENCH- presents this overview of the Entry Flight Dynamics Officer (FDO), a Mission Control Center Flight Control position from Mercury to Shuttle.
- [Why have a space program? -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/space/lovell/): An essay by astronaut Jim Lovell answering the age-old question of "Why space exploration?" (presented by -THETRENCH-)
- [The BIG Picture (by John Young) -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/space/young/): An essay by astronaut John Young recommending increases in space exploration to preserve the Human Race on Earth (presented by -THETRENCH-)
- ["We Came Here, You and I..." -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/space/we-came-here/): A tribute to the men and women of space exploration... remembering those we have lost and promising a bold future of advancement.
- [STS-76: Letters from the Lead FDO -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/space/sts-76/): A collection of emails that I wrote to friends during the STS-76 Space Shuttle mission, where I served as Lead/Rendezvous Flight Dynamics Officer (FDO).
- [What is an Orbit FDO? -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/mcc/fdo/orbit-fdo/): -THETRENCH- presents this overview of the Orbit Flight Dynamics Officer (FDO), a Mission Control Center Flight Control position from Mercury to Shuttle.
- [What is an Ascent FDO? -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/mcc/fdo/ascent-fdo/): -THETRENCH- presents this overview of the Ascent Flight Dynamics Officer (FDO), a Mission Control Center Flight Control position from Mercury to Shuttle.
- [What is a Flight Dynamics Officer? -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/mcc/fdo/): -THETRENCH- presents this overview of the Flight Dynamics Officer (FDO), a Mission Control Center Flight Control position from Mercury through Shuttle.
- [My Last Day as a FDO -balettiedotcom-](https://balettie.com/space/last-day/): A few quick thoughts about my last day as a Flight Dynamics Officer (FDO) in the Space Shuttle Mission Control Center during STS-86.


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