The Band - Who we are to me

For myself (least interesting member of the group), I have been working in space operations for thirty five years now.  Prior to that, I was sort of a band geek in High School, and even continued into College a bit (but changed direction towards Engineering at that point). I never dropped my love of music (just did it for me – whether playing a harmonica, learning (poorly) guitar etc).  Never played a keyboard specifically so I was a bit anxious when we decided to baseline everything on the OP-1 (at least it is not a typical keyboard).

Now for the more interesting members (I want to thank them for not being pushy right now on getting the album out – giving me sometime to feel better). 

SuperStar – He is the first spacecraft I controlled when I came into the operations so many years ago.  He is a Hughs 376 (the old workhorse of satellite communications).  His design limited the amount of payload he could carry, but everything else was strong.  He could do anything.  In fact, I am not sure he had any anomalies during the time I was there (and that was late life).  He was definitely the “Can Do” spacecraft.

Flash – He was in the process of being built when I joined.  As such, I was able to attend many of the design meetings as well as see him being put together on the ground.  He was a truly hi-power spacecraft which allowed for a much larger communications payload.  However, along with all that power, he also had a tendency to spark a bit (how he got his name).  Definitely the flashy member of the group with lots of personality.

DarkStar – DarkStar came after Flash.  I was also able to participate in a lot of the ground/build work.  In fact, he got his name due to how he looked on the ground.  He was definitely the darkest of the spacecraft due to the way the thermal blankets were installed.  Like Flash he was hi-power.  He did not tend to spark as much as Flash, but did have the occasional anomaly (unlike SuperStar who had a clean record).  The difference is that no matter what broke on DarkStar, he always had a plan to work around it and keep full service.  He is definitely the thinker/planner of the group.

Topper – Was the original OP-1 that we started with.  I think he was important as he did not impose his will much.  He was there and supportive, helped grow the music, but largely was there in a support role, offering suggestions where he thought appropriate (he was not expecting to be part of a band, but an instrument, was happy to have some input).

Condu – The current OP-1 Field.  He has been a bit more active.  Though he leaves the creative process to what he calls “The Creatives” he is quick to point out other ways to try and get the feel being looked for (he seems to have many options to “Get the Sound”.   There is no right way, just the way that feels right to us (so he offers suggestions). 

Omni – My old French Horn.  Not a full time member, but joined us for Third First Sunrise.  As I said I was a band geek.  Though I played some trombone, some sax etc, I was best and most comfortable on the French Horn.  The name Omni came about as I ended up playing almost any part (but on the French Horn).  I played in the dance band (even once with Lionel Hampton) on the French Horn.  Normally playing a trombone part, but swapping to a sax part if that was needed.  Omni got into the band as he felt left out being such a big part of my musical past, and being ignored when I am part of albums.  After a few bad dreams including him, I promised to put him on the next album (which stopped the dreams).  We also performed together on a Fencing Marlins song.  I think he felt bad as I was not able to play him like I used to, but he was happy to be included.

That is really it for the actual band members.  We have some friends who have or will appear.  However, that can be a topic for the future, this is already long enough.  Thanks for Reading.