I have been working at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory for twenty-six years.While working on the unmanned exploration of the solar system, the two words that I hear far too often are “you can’t.”
Recently, as the project manager for the Phoenix Mars Lander, I have been told, “You can’t get that Lander safely on the surface.” “You can’t operate a surface mission based on discovery and change your plans every day.”
These words of discouragement are truly a means of increasing the determination of the truly committed. Results will always speak for themselves. If you have a passion for what you do, and if you truly believe in the people who are on the journey with you, YOU CAN accomplish anything.
Barry Goldstein is project manager for NASA’s Phoenix Mars Lander. www.nasa.gov
