Artemis EVA Training Lead Describes Childhood Spacewalk Inspiration

Scott Wray serves as NASA's Artemis EVA Training Lead, a role connected to a lifelong passion for space exploration. His experience with spacewalks began when he was approximately 6 years old, long before his professional career in the space program.

During his childhood, Wray engaged in imaginative play that simulated space exploration. A tent resembling a lunar lander served as his imaginary spacecraft, providing a physical space for him to enact early missions.

"I would lie on my back with my feet propped up on a pillow as I imagined going through a launch countdown sequence," Wray said, describing his childhood activities. This position allowed him to simulate the experience of an astronaut during launch.

After envisioning the launch countdown sequence, Wray would exit the tent to continue his imaginary mission. The childhood activity of leaving his imaginary spacecraft foreshadowed the extravehicular activities—spacewalks—that would later become central to his professional responsibilities.

Wray's current role as Artemis EVA Training Lead involves preparing astronauts for spacewalks. His personal history with imaginative space simulation demonstrates how early childhood play can influence career trajectories in space exploration.