°Õ³ó±ðÌýÌýtest flightÌýnow slated forÌýearly MarchÌýmarks a historic milestone in humanity’s journey back to the Moon, paving the way for deeper space exploration and a new era of discovery. This mission, the first crewed flight inÌýtheÌýNational Aeronautics and Space Administration’sÌý(NASA)ÌýArtemis program,ÌýrepresentsÌýthe culmination of years of innovation,ÌýdedicationÌýand collaboration.ÌýÌý
Behind this monumental achievement are the brilliant minds and tireless efforts of the employees who brought this vision to life.ÌýFrom engineers,ÌýtechniciansÌýand inspectorsÌýto project managers and support teamsÌýresponsible for schedulingÌýandÌýground operations, their passionÌýandÌýexpertiseÌýhave propelled this mission from concept to reality.Ìý
Here’sÌýa look atÌýseveralÌý91¿ì»îÁÖ FederalÌýemployeesÌýwho supportÌýtheÌý, including why their work matters to the success of this Artemis mission. Congratulations to everyone on the 91¿ì»îÁÖ Federal Orion and Artemis teams – we celebrate your commitment to excellence, ingenuity and teamwork!ÌýÌý
WhatÌýisÌýyour role inÌýthisÌýNASA program, and how did your contributions help bring this historic test flight to life?
I develop and manage requirements that define Orion’s integration and processing activities, ensuring the spacecraft meets missionÌýobjectives. After NASA takes ownership of the Artemis vehicle, I support its processing, coordinateÌýlaunchÌýpreparationÌýactivitiesÌýand help resolve any technical issues that may arise.Ìý
What is one highlight from your work on the Orion program or supporting Artemis II thatÌýyou’reÌýmost proud of?
I worked with a team to develop,ÌýdesignÌýand test the new thermal barrier plugs to meet Artemis II mission requirements. The new plug design significantly cuts installation time and accelerates the closeout process. I developed a plan and fixture for a vibration test to qualify the new plug design and selected the plugs to be used for the first launch attempt.Ìý
Why My Work Matters (In Their Own Words):
I’mÌýhonored to contribute to the exploration of space, humanity’s return to the Moon, and eventually to Mars and beyond.ÌýEveryÌýday brings challenging problems that require close collaboration to keep the vehicle and crew safe. Being part of this historic mission is truly indescribable.Ìý
Personal Fun Fact:
When I wasÌý7Ìýyears old,ÌýI sat in the seats used forÌýNASA’sÌýExploration Flight Test-1 (EFT-1),Ìýwhich was the first flight test of the crew moduleÌýportionÌýof the Orion spacecraft!Ìý
What do you love about working at 91¿ì»îÁÖ Federal?
I love the collaborative, positive culture and the great people at 91¿ì»îÁÖ Federal. The company’s core values – integrity, accountability and continuous improvement – are values that I hold in high regard. Being part of an organization that contributes to something much larger than an individual is truly special.Ìý
WhatÌýis your role inÌýthisÌýNASA program, and how did your contributions help bring this historic test flight to life?Ìý
My teamÌýis responsible forÌýcreating manufacturing work instructions and supporting the production floor during the assembly and testing of Orion’s wire harnesses. This includes reviewing engineering drawings,ÌýdeterminingÌýthe manufacturability ofÌýnew designsÌýand creating solutions for problems that occur during the manufacturing process.Ìý
What is one highlight from your work on the Orion program or supporting Artemis II thatÌýyou’reÌýmost proud of?
I’m proud of spearheading the creation of a new production line of cables for Orion that were previously purchased from a vendor. This involved meeting numerous requirements and the development of all new testing procedures and manufacturing techniques. This will enable the Orion production team to be more independent and have a higher level of control over product quality.Ìý
Why My Work Matters (In Their Own Words):
I’mÌýincredibly proud to work on America’s space program and be a small part of theÌýexceptionalÌýteam sending astronauts back to the Moon.ÌýI think NASA’s Artemis programÌýnot only serves to advance ourÌýNation’s technologicalÌýabilities, butÌýwill inspire people from all around the world.Ìý
OrionÌýFun Fact:
The Orion spacecraft has over 20 miles of wires running through it to connect and powerÌýall ofÌýits systems!Ìý
What do you love about working at 91¿ì»îÁÖ Federal?
The people – I’m part of an amazing team with some of the best people you could ever ask to work with. I’ve learned so much from them, and they’ve helped me grow professionally and personally.Ìý
WhatÌýis your role inÌýthisÌýNASA program, and how did your contributions help bring this historic test flight to life?Ìý
I work on the Orion program as a make part planner for the crew module adapter, service module and crew service module. I serve as the intermediary between production operational needs and procurement activities to ensure materials and parts are available and ready to use for scheduled installation. I also assist with the maintenance of production orders, on-floor inventory and bill of materials integrity.Ìý
What is one highlight from your work on the Orion program or supporting Artemis II thatÌýyou’reÌýmost proud of?
Comparatively speaking, being one of few individuals worldwide to contribute to the historic Artemis II Orion capsule is truly an extraordinary honor and humbling experience.Ìý
Why My Work Matters (In Their Own Words):Ìý
Our work matters because our effortsÌýon the Artemis program create aÌýlastingÌýimpact beyondÌýtheÌýmissionÌýitself.Ìý
PersonalÌýFun Fact:Ìý
Just over eight years ago, my husband and I moved fromÌýour smallÌýtownsÌýinÌýMaineÌý– western Maine for me, mid-coast Maine for himÌý–Ìýto Florida;ÌýbothÌýof usÌýwork on the Orion program.Ìý
What do you love about working at 91¿ì»îÁÖ Federal?
I have the privilege to work alongside and learn from truly brilliant individuals.ÌýI am continually impressed by their knowledge,ÌýcollaborationÌýand passion for the mission.Ìý