." When I was actually about 16 or 17, I discovered this manual by Arthur C. Clarke got in touch with Area Journey 2001. That was actually the first science fiction manual that I have actually ever before checked out. I was just so caught through what he had written considering that the many things that he discussed weren't [happening] in the far-off future, but in the year 2001. In the book, he refers to a great deal about spaceport station, as well as space shuttles that go up to the spaceport station, and also lorries that most likely to the Moon or the Moon center, and all that. I indicate, these are terms that you hear right now all the time, right? As Well As Arthur C. Clarke actually visualized it at that time. To make sure that interested me. I hoped that at some point I could possibly focus on one thing like that." In phrases of my learning, I was actually mosting likely to enter into the area design, yet at that point someone advised me that mechanical design would certainly provide me a broader history. So I adhered to the suggestions, and also it was the best trait to perform. I wound up knowing a whole lot of factors, not only mechanical design yet additionally a great deal concerning electric design and also bodies engineering at the same time." ... After that a possibility included NASA. It went to that time that they started speaking about the space station. Ronald Reagan at that time was actually the President, and also he recommended this initiative to cultivate the space station. Back then, he contacted the space station 'Liberty.'." I believed, 'Wow, what a thrilling idea it would be actually excellent if I can service that.'." As well as of training program, one point brought about another, and also [I wound up working on the International Spaceport Station.] So you never know what you're heading to find yourself performing." I count on synchronicity occasionally. Things that you do, somehow, bring about your last destination. Some unseen pressures press you because path. When you remember, you understand that every little thing fits together.".-- Douglas Wong, Unit Designer, ISS CRS Visiting Auto Safety & Objective Affirmation Integration Focal, NASA's Johnson Area Center.Image Credit: NASA/Bill StaffordInterviewer: NASA/Thalia Patrinos.Visit several of our other Faces of NASA..