The Space Mechanic
Aerospace engineer offering practitioner perspectives on engineering careers, systems, and aerospace industry culture.
From Rookie to Equal: Representation Matters in Aerospace
Today I completed a major review with folks who’ve been building and testing spacecraft for 30+ years. After it wrapped, a few of us stayed to talk through actions, outcomes, and some pretty ambitious technical ideas for our testing program. And in the middle of that conversation, something clicked. I’m their equal now. I also noticed I was the only Latino in that room. Both things hit me at the same time. And honestly? That moment was everything. 🚀
Piecewise Verification: Elegant Proof You're Ready to Fly
I really wish people understood the elegance of piece-wise verification. Which at the end of the day, is just coming up with sufficient evidence to convince you that you’re ready to fly.
City Car Stereotypes: LA Loves Altimas, Seattle Prefers Priuses
In LA it was always a goddamn Altima. In Seattle it’s always a goddamn Prius.
Could Pizza Hut’s Book‑It Program Work for Adults?
Can the @pizzahut revamped Book It program be extended for adults? I’ll read more for pizza.
Fans Question Nintendo's Delay on Sonic Battle 2
I don’t understand what’s holding Nintendo back from releasing Sonic Battle 2 for the GameCube NSO
Endless ER Wait Leaves Mom Still Unattended
Spent the whole evening in the ER waiting room and we’re still waiting so that my mom gets medical attention 🫠
From Mars Adventures to Moon Dreams: My Cosmic Journey
In one decade, I have gotten to explore Mars and help return to the Moon. The kid in me is over the — well, Moon. 🤭
LinkedIn Video Secured $100k Brand Deal—Post More
I video on LinkedIn landed me a $100k brand deal. I should really be posting more there.
Public Can Instantly Download Raw Mars Rover Images
We have robots on Mars — 140 million miles away — actively sending us photos right now. And @nasa gives YOU the same access to those images as the mission teams. Download raw Mars 2020 images the moment they arrive: 👉 mars.nasa.gov/mars2020/multimedia/raw-images/
NASA Jobs Shrink—Prepare and Advocate for Funding
So many of you want to work at NASA and I love that. 🚀 But real talk: budget cuts are shrinking those opportunities. The mission pipeline depends on funding. My advicee is to prepare hard AND call your representatives. I...
Space Engineer Shares Journey to Inspire Future Explorers
🛰️ I'm Elio — space engineer by trade, storyteller by necessity. I help build and operate the spacecraft that roam Mars and the Moon, and I talk about it here so the next generation of explorers knows the door is...
Spacebuilders Share Journey, Thank Followers for Support
It’s great to be able to share what those of us in the space industry feel as we build and test our spacecraft. Thank you for following along.
Astronaut Honors Late Wife with Moon Crater Tribute
Nobody told Reid Wiseman that astronauts aren’t supposed to be poets. 🤧 He lost his wife Carroll to cancer in 2020. Raised his two daughters alone. Then flew to the Moon as Artemis II commander — and named a crater after...
From 5,000°F Fireball to Splashdown in 13 Minutes
Tomorrow, Orion slams into Earth’s atmosphere at nearly 24,000 mph. 13 minutes later? Splashdown off the coast of San Diego where the US Navy is already waiting. In those 13 minutes, the spacecraft goes from a 5,000°F fireball to a controlled ocean...
Your Space Career Roadmap: Grab My Book Now
Y’all are blowing up my DMs asking about careers in the space industry and honestly? It means everything. 🥹 Follow my IG — more content on this is coming. And if you want the roadmap in detail, my book is...