NASA's Artemis Program Takes Shape as Jaclyn Kagey Leads the Charge
Jaclyn Kagey, a seasoned astronaut operations expert, is playing a pivotal role in shaping humanity's long-awaited return to the moon. As the lead of NASA's Flight Operations Directorate for the Artemis III extravehicular activity, Kagey oversees the planning and execution of critical spacewalks that will pave the way for future lunar exploration.
Her team works tirelessly to define how astronauts will work on the moon's surface, from meticulous planning to real-time operations. The crew will conduct these activities after stepping out of NASA's human landing system, a commercial lander designed to safely transport astronauts between lunar orbit and the surface. Kagey's attention to detail ensures that every aspect of spacewalks is carefully considered to ensure the safety and success of the mission.
The Artemis III mission marks an historic milestone in the program, with astronaut teams set to explore the moon's south polar region – a region never visited by humans before. This mission serves as the proving ground for future lunar exploration, laying the foundation for long-term human presence on the moon.
Kagey's own journey at NASA spans over 25 years, with a career marked by numerous accomplishments and milestones. A space enthusiast since her days studying at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Kagey has worked across some of NASA's most complex programs, including United Space Alliance. Her husband joined her there, marking the beginning of their careers as contractors.
One notable moment in Kagey's career came during a high-pressure operation on the International Space Station. "U.S. EVA 21" stands out as a testament to the team's agility and dedication under pressure. The successful completion of the spacewalk restored critical systems, showcasing the remarkable teamwork that makes human spaceflight possible.
Throughout her career, Kagey has learned that adaptability is key to success in human spaceflight. "You have to be flexible," she emphasizes. "Things rarely go exactly as planned, and your job is to respond in a way that keeps the crew safe and the mission moving forward."
Kagey's influence extends beyond her own expertise, advocating for spacesuit designs that cater to a wider range of body types. Her efforts culminated in a recent test of Axiom Space's lunar spacesuit, known as AxEMU, marking a significant step towards creating more inclusive and functional spacewalk suits.
As the Artemis program gains momentum, Kagey remains steadfastly focused on her mission to shape humanity's return to the moon. "My mission is to define lunar surface activities," she emphasizes, "and we're setting the standard for this historic endeavor."
Jaclyn Kagey, a seasoned astronaut operations expert, is playing a pivotal role in shaping humanity's long-awaited return to the moon. As the lead of NASA's Flight Operations Directorate for the Artemis III extravehicular activity, Kagey oversees the planning and execution of critical spacewalks that will pave the way for future lunar exploration.
Her team works tirelessly to define how astronauts will work on the moon's surface, from meticulous planning to real-time operations. The crew will conduct these activities after stepping out of NASA's human landing system, a commercial lander designed to safely transport astronauts between lunar orbit and the surface. Kagey's attention to detail ensures that every aspect of spacewalks is carefully considered to ensure the safety and success of the mission.
The Artemis III mission marks an historic milestone in the program, with astronaut teams set to explore the moon's south polar region – a region never visited by humans before. This mission serves as the proving ground for future lunar exploration, laying the foundation for long-term human presence on the moon.
Kagey's own journey at NASA spans over 25 years, with a career marked by numerous accomplishments and milestones. A space enthusiast since her days studying at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Kagey has worked across some of NASA's most complex programs, including United Space Alliance. Her husband joined her there, marking the beginning of their careers as contractors.
One notable moment in Kagey's career came during a high-pressure operation on the International Space Station. "U.S. EVA 21" stands out as a testament to the team's agility and dedication under pressure. The successful completion of the spacewalk restored critical systems, showcasing the remarkable teamwork that makes human spaceflight possible.
Throughout her career, Kagey has learned that adaptability is key to success in human spaceflight. "You have to be flexible," she emphasizes. "Things rarely go exactly as planned, and your job is to respond in a way that keeps the crew safe and the mission moving forward."
Kagey's influence extends beyond her own expertise, advocating for spacesuit designs that cater to a wider range of body types. Her efforts culminated in a recent test of Axiom Space's lunar spacesuit, known as AxEMU, marking a significant step towards creating more inclusive and functional spacewalk suits.
As the Artemis program gains momentum, Kagey remains steadfastly focused on her mission to shape humanity's return to the moon. "My mission is to define lunar surface activities," she emphasizes, "and we're setting the standard for this historic endeavor."