Lt. Col. Nichole Ayers ’11 - A Falcon's Flight to the Stars

Lt. Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers ’11 joins us from orbit! SUMMARY From cadet to astronaut, she shares how the U.S. Air Force Academy prepared her for life aboard the International Space Station, the lessons space learned in the space program about leadership and how viewing Earth from 250 miles up re-shapes one's call to serve. SHARE THIS EPISODE LINKEDIN | FACEBOOK COL. AYERS' TOP 10 LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS - Seeing Earth from space changes your perspective on leadership. - The fragility of Earth inspires a desire to protect it. - A lifelong dream of becoming an astronaut requires hard work and dedication. - Teamwork at the Air Force Academy prepared me for life in space. - Daily routines on the ISS are structured and focused on science and maintenance. - Astronauts are normal humans, not just heroes in space. - Quick thinking and calm leadership are crucial during space missions. - Community support is vital for success in unconventional paths. - Inspiring the next generation is a key part of my mission. - Curiosity and exploration should be fostered in young people. CHAPTERS 00:00 Journey to the Stars: Becoming an Astronaut 03:32 Life Aboard the ISS: Daily Routines and Responsibilities 07:23 Lessons in Leadership: Quick Thinking in Space 10:54 Observations from Above: Humanity and Resilience 12:10 Inspiring the Next Generation: A Sense of Purpose 13:17 The Long Blue Line: Community and Support ABOUT NICHOLE BIO U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Nichole Ayers is a trailblazing pilot, leader, and astronaut whose journey began at the United States Air Force Academy, where she graduated in 2011 with a degree in mathematics. An accomplished F-22 Raptor pilot, Ayers is one of the few women ever to fly the world’s most advanced stealth fighter—and she’s one of even fewer to command them in formation for combat training missions. Col. Ayers earned her wings through years of training and operational excellence, logging over 200 flight hours in combat and playing a critical role in advancing tactical aviation. Her exceptional performance led to her selection in 2021 by NASA as a member of Astronaut Group 23, an elite class of 10 chosen from among 12,000 applicants. As a NASA astronaut candidate, Col. Ayers completed intensive training at Johnson Space Center, which included spacewalk preparation, robotics, survival training, systems operations, and Russian language. Now qualified for spaceflight, she stands on the threshold of a new chapter that led her to the International Space Station. Throughout her career, Col. Ayers has exemplified the Academy's core values of Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do. Her journey from cadet to combat aviator to astronaut is a testament to resilience, determination, and a passion for pushing boundaries. LEARN MORE ABOUT NICHOLE NASA Astronaut Nichole Ayers ALL PAST LBL EPISODES | ALL LBLPN PRODUCTIONS AVAILABLE ON ALL MAJOR PODCAST PLATFORMS TRANSCRIPT SPEAKERS Guest, Lt. Col. Nichole "Vapor" Ayers ’11 | Host, Lt. Col. (ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 NASA 00:00 Station, this is Houston. Are you ready for the event? Lt. Col. Nichole Ayers 00:05 Houston, Station, I'm ready for the event. NASA Air Force Academy, this is Mission Control, Houston. Please call Station for a voice check. Naviere Walkewicz 00:13 Station, this is Lt. Col. Naviere Walkewicz. How do you hear me? Lt. Col. Nichole Ayers 00:17 Hi, ma'am. I've got you loud and clear. Welcome to the International Space Station. Naviere Walkewicz 00:20 Welcome to a special presentation of the US, Air Force Academy, Association and Foundation’s, Long Blue Line Podcast Network. I'm Naviere Walkewicz, Class of ’99. I was honored recently to speak with a true pioneer, United States Air Force Academy graduate, accomplished fighter pilot, 2022 Young Alumni Excellence Award recipient and now NASA astronaut, Lieutenant Colonel Nicole “Vapor” Ayers, Class of 2011, Vapor joined us from the International Space Station orbiting about 250 miles above Earth. Her journey from Cadet to astronaut embodies the pursuit of excellence and the spirit of exploration that distinguishes the Long Blue Line. For this conversation Vapor and I explored what it means to be a human in the vastness of space, how one's perspective shifts when Earth shows up as a distant blue marble, and what her journey can tell us about courage, connection and the Future. Lieutenant Colonel Ayers, this is such an honor. So excited. Seeing Earth from space forever changes your perspective. How was the experience for you? And how has it changed the way you view your role as a leader? Lt. Col. Nichole Ayers 01:32 Yeah, you know, I think for everybody, the experience is slightly different. For me, seeing the earth from the Dragon window for the first time was one of the most amazing things I've ever seen. And then seeing the Earth every day from ...