On this episode of Along the Rock, host Nathan Star speaks with Major Cameron Jones, a NASA Astronaut Candidate and Air Force test pilot from Savanna.

Major Jones shares how his dream of becoming an astronaut began at a young age, inspired by flying with his father, a private pilot, and fueled by a strong love of math and science. Growing up, he also found motivation in seeing a hometown hero succeed—fellow Savanna native Dale Gardner, whose shuttle mission photos reminded him that extraordinary goals were within reach.

In this conversation, Major Jones explains how reading astronaut biographies helped shape his path into engineering and the Air Force, and what it truly takes to train as an astronaut with NASA. From flying jets and learning foreign languages to geology training and spacesuit practice in giant pools, he offers an inside look at the intense, ever-changing demands of astronaut preparation.

Major Jones also talks about the camaraderie among astronaut candidates, the unexpected challenges of learning a new language, and the excitement of potentially serving aboard the International Space Station or participating in future lunar missions.

Most importantly, he shares an encouraging message for kids and dreamers everywhere: there is no single path to becoming an astronaut. With passion, research, and hard work, incredible careers—on Earth or beyond—are possible.

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From Small Town Illinois... to the Moon?! | A Conversation with NASA Candidate Cameron Jones