So much of science is in the mistakes and being aware and intelligent enough to observe them and then learn from them. For the moment, Coleman has shifted gears away from science to continue to gain the depth of experience required of an astronaut. Chandra is enabling scientists to conduct comprehensive studies of the universe, and study phenomena such as exploding stars, quasars and black holes. There was so much excitement about this telescope. We have been waiting to get telescopes outside Earth orbit so we can see out into the universe.
Technology makes discovery possible.
Coleman now is training to work in mission control, to be the voice the astronauts in space hear when they call home. Her experience as a scientist will again come in handy. There needs to be a balance between communication and knowing that they are up there doing their jobs. For instance, I can help make the decisions about whether it is important to discuss with them their plans for the next four hours or to just give them a few more minutes to complete the tasks they are currently doing. It seems to be this appreciation for balance that makes Coleman such an extraordinary astronaut and scientist.