Role of Bermudians at Bermuda Station

Bermudians working at The National Aeronautics and Space Administration station Cooper's Island played a significant role that contributed to the success of the Apollo Missions of the sixties and seventies and later the STS Shuttle Missions.  On April 19th 2001, Bermuda supported its last A/G Mission launch (STS-102). Bermudians worked in all areas of the Tracking Station: Power Plant ,  Administration , Unified S-Band , Acquisition Aid , Ground to Air , Telemetry , Computers , Precision Measurement Equipment , Radar and Plant Maintenance . There was a common goal working together with American colleagues to ensure safety and success of a mission. Everyone from the Station Director to the janitor was made to feel his or her job was an important contribution to the success of the mission. The concept of Total Quality Management (TQM) was strongly emphasized consequently,  frequent training in First Aid, CPR, and Fire Safety became essential for everyone. In addition, advanced electronic training in Radar, Telemetry and Computers etc. was made available to staff, both locally and abroad. NASA ensured its employees were highly trained and fully capable of doing the job.  Bermudian technicians took full advantage of the opportunities offered and were rewarded with certificates of achievement, good press publicity and advanced job placement.

NASA was like family, everyone knew everyone else! People bounded together in times of triumph and tragedy. After the success of an Apollo Mission, a splash-down party was held. But during the ill fated Apollo 13 Mission, many prayed and anxiously awaited the safe return of the astronauts.