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By NASA
u0022Every project I have worked has been unique, whether it be a sounding rocket, scientific balloon, or aircraft mission,u0022 said Wallops Flight Facility News Chief Keith Koehler, looking back on his 41 years at NASA. u0022The projects are numerous and great people are involved.u0022NASA/Aubrey Gemignani Name: Keith Koehler
Title: News Chief
Formal Job Classification: Public Affairs Specialist
Organization: Office of Communications, Wallops Flight Facility, Goddard Space Flight Center (Code 130.4)
What do you do and what is most interesting about your role here at Goddard? How do you help support Goddard’s mission?
As news chief, I manage media relations with local, regional, national, and international media. I also write news releases and web features, and I conduct interviews to bring the exciting activities at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility on Virginia’s Eastern Shore to the public.
What is your educational background?
I have a B.A. in journalism from Murray State University in Kentucky and an M.B.A. from Bellarmine University in Kentucky.
How did you come to work for NASA?
In 1978, while I was at Murray, I joined the NASA Langley Research Center’s Public Affairs Office (now the Office of Communications), in Virginia, as a cooperative education student, a type of internship. In 1984, I joined Wallops as the manager of the Visitor Center while I was working on my master’s. In 1987, I returned to Bellarmine full time to complete the last semester for my master’s. Later that year, after graduating, I returned to the Wallops Visitor Center. In 1990, I became the lead of the Wallops Public Affairs Office, where I have remained most of my career.
Why did you spend almost your entire career at Wallops’ Office of Communications?
When I first came to Wallops, I fell in love with the area. I grew up in the city and I love this rural area. I enjoy working with the people and the scientists from all over the world who come here to do research projects. Wallops projects usually run six months to about two years, so it’s very fast-paced with a lot of activity in many different areas.
I also met my wife Lisa, a native of the area, while at Wallops.
What are some of the most interesting projects you have worked on?
Northrop Grumman’s Antares program, which launches from Wallops, is interesting because of the positive impact the launches have on the community and their importance in getting supplies to the International Space Station. Wallops began in 1945 as a launch facility. Since coming to Wallops in 1984, I have seen it become a world-class launch facility for much larger rockets.
Every project I have worked has been unique, whether it be a sounding rocket, scientific balloon, or aircraft mission. The projects are numerous and great people are involved.
What I have enjoyed most throughout my career is the people. Our people want to share what they are doing with the public.
u0022What makes a good science communicator is the ability to listen,u0022 said Wallops news chief Keith Koehler. u0022You need to listen closely to what is being told to you from the mission support staff, such as a scientists, engineers, or technicians. Then you must be able to take that information and put it in a format that the public can understand.u0022Courtesy of Keith Koehler What do you want to be your legacy?
I would like to be remembered as someone with integrity who was able to bring the message of what we do at Wallops to the public and as someone who supported our educational programs through the development and support of hands-on programs and support of internships.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in science communications?
You need to have a passion for learning and be curious.
We pass on new findings to the public and everything is always changing. You must enjoy communicating with the scientists and engineers and passing on that information to the public in a way they can understand the technical complexities of the science and engineering.
What makes a good science communicator?
What makes a good science communicator is the ability to listen. You need to listen closely to what is being told to you from the mission support staff, such as a scientists, engineers, or technicians. Then you must be able to take that information and put it in a format that the public can understand. You also must be able to listen to the public and understand what they are asking and interested in hearing.
What was your favorite campaign?
That is hard to say. With more than 41 years supporting NASA, the missions and field campaigns have been numerous. Field campaigns took me to Alaska, New Mexico, California, Hawaii, in the air over the mid-Atlantic states, and Puerto Rico.
How has Wallops changed over the years?
In some ways, Wallops has stayed the same, but it also has changed. Wallops has always had a can-do attitude. Mission personnel know the project goals and work toward those goals. Historically, the work has focused on suborbital projects using sounding rockets, scientific balloons, and science aircraft.
Recently, there has been an increase in working with small satellites – project management, development, testing and tracking. In addition, Wallops has greatly expanded its support of commercial launch activities. In 1995, Virginia located the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport at Wallops, which has brought an increase in the launch of orbital rockets. I was part of the core group involved in the birth of the spaceport.
What do you enjoy most about living near Wallops?
The area is quiet, slower paced. The beaches are nice. We are close enough for a day trip to Washington, D.C., but we can live surrounded by nature.
After you retire at the end of this year, what are your plans?
I want to travel nationally and internationally with my wife Lisa. I love vegetable gardening. I also want to spend time with my grandchild. I may do some part-time teaching. I hope to do volunteer work, but have not yet decided exactly what or where.
What is your “six-word memoir”? A six-word memoir describes something in just six words.
Integrity, faithful, patient, inquisitive, caring, trustworthy.
By Elizabeth M. Jarrell
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.
Conversations With Goddard is a collection of question and answer profiles highlighting the breadth and depth of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center’s talented and diverse workforce. The Conversations have been published twice a month on average since May 2011. Read past editions on Goddard’s “Our People” webpage. Conversations With Goddard is a collection of Q&A profiles highlighting the breadth and depth of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center’s talented and diverse workforce. The Conversations have been published twice a month on average since May 2011. Read past editions on Goddard’s “Our People” webpage.
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Last Updated Feb 10, 2025 Related Terms
Goddard Space Flight Center People of Goddard Wallops Flight Facility Keep Exploring Discover More Topics From NASA
Missions
Humans in Space
Climate Change
Solar System
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By NASA
For astronauts aboard the International Space Station, staying connected to loved ones and maintaining a sense of normalcy is critical. That is where Tandra Gill Spain, a computer resources senior project manager in NASA’s Avionics and Software Office, comes in. Spain leads the integration of applications on Apple devices and the hardware integration on the Joint Station Local Area Network, which connects the systems from various space agencies on the International Space Station. She also provides technical lead support to the Systems Engineering and Space Operations Computing teams and certifies hardware for use on the orbiting laboratory.
Spain shares about her career with NASA and more. Read on to learn about her story, her favorite project, and the advice she has for the next generation of explorers.
Tandra Spain’s official NASA portrait. NASA Where are you from?
I am from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Tell us about your role at NASA.
I am the Apple subsystem manager where I lead the integration of applications on Apple devices as well as the hardware integration on the Joint Station Local Area Network. We use a variety of different software but I work specifically with our Apple products. I also provide technical lead support to the Systems Engineering and Space Operations Computing teams. In addition, I select and oversee the certification of hardware for use on the International Space Station, and I research commonly used technology and assess applicability to space operations.
How would you describe your job to family or friends who may not be familiar with NASA?
I normalize living and working in space by providing the comforts and conveniences of living on Earth.
Tandra spain
Computer Resources Senior Project Manager
I get the opportunity to provide the iPads and associated applications that give astronauts the resources to access the internet. Having access to the internet affords them the opportunity to stay as connected as they desire with what is going on back home on Earth (e.g., stream media content, stay in touch with family and friends, and even pay bills). I also provide hardware such as Bluetooth speakers, AirPods, video projectors, and screens.
How long have you been working for NASA?
I have been with the agency for 30 years, including 22 years as a contractor.
What advice would you give to young individuals aspiring to work in the space industry or at NASA?
I have found that there is a place for just about everyone at NASA, therefore, follow your passion. Although many of us are, you don’t have to be a scientist or engineer to work at NASA. Yearn to learn. Pause and listen to those around you. You don’t know what you don’t know, and you will be amazed what gems you’ll learn in the most unexpected situations.
Additionally, be flexible and find gratitude in every experience. Many of the roles that I’ve had over the years didn’t come from a well-crafted, laid-out plan that I executed, but came from taking advantage of the opportunities that presented themselves and doing them to the best of my ability.
Tandra Spain and her husband, Ivan, with NASA astronaut and Flight Director TJ Creamer when she was awarded the Silver Snoopy Award. What was your path to NASA?
I moved to Houston to work at NASA’s Johnson Space Center immediately upon graduating from college.
Is there someone in the space, aerospace, or science industry that has motivated or inspired you to work for the space program? Or someone you discovered while working for NASA who inspires you?
I spent over half of my career in the Astronaut Office, and I’ve been influenced in different ways by different people, so it wouldn’t be fair to pick just one!
What is your favorite NASA memory?
I’ve worked on so many meaningful projects, but there are two recent projects that stand out.
Humans were not created to be alone, and connection is extremely important. I was able to provide a telehealth platform for astronauts to autonomously video conference with friends and family whenever an internet connection is available. Prior to having this capability, crew were limited to one scheduled video conference a week. It makes me emotional to think that we have moms and dads orbiting the Earth on the space station and they can see their babies before they go to bed, when they wake up in the morning, or even in the middle of the night if needed.
In addition, since iPads are used for work as well as personal activities on station, it is important for my team to be able to efficiently keep the applications and security patches up to date. We completed the software integration and are in the process of wrapping up the certification of the Mac Mini to provide this capability. This will allow us to keep up with all software updates that Apple releases on a regular basis and minimize the amount of crew and flight controller team time associated with the task by approximately 85%.
Tandra Spain, her mother, Marva Herndon, and her daughter, Sasha, at her daughter’s high school graduation in 2024. What do you love sharing about station? What’s important to get across to general audiences to help them understand the benefits to life on Earth?
When I speak to the public about the space station, I like to compare our everyday lives on Earth to life on the station and highlight the use of technology to maintain the connection to those on Earth. For example, most people have a phone. Besides making a phone call, what do you use your phone for? It is amazing to know that the same capabilities exist on station, such as using apps, participating in parent teacher conferences, and more.
If you could have dinner with any astronaut, past or present, who would it be?
I would have dinner with NASA astronaut Ron McNair. He graduated from the same university as I did, and I’ve heard great stories about him.
Do you have a favorite space-related memory or moment that stands out to you?
As I mentioned previously, human connection is extremely important. As an engineer in the Astronaut Office, I worked on a project that provided more frequent email updates when Ku-Band communication was available. Previously, email was synced two to three times a day, and less on the weekend. When the capability went active, I sent the first email exchange.
What are some of the key projects you’ve worked on during your time at NASA? What have been your favorite?
There have been so many projects over the past 30 years that I don’t think I could select just one. There is something however, that I’ve done on many occasions that has brought me pure joy, which is attending outreach events as Johnson’s “Cosmo” mascot, especially Houston Astros games.
Tandra Spain representing NASA as “Cosmo” the astronaut mascot at a Houston Astros baseball game. What are your hobbies/things you enjoy outside of work?
I enjoy crafting, traveling, mentoring students in Pearland Independent School District, spending time with family, and my Rooted Together community.
Day launch or night launch?
Night launch!
Favorite space movie?
Star Wars (the original version)
NASA “worm” or “meatball” logo?
Meatball
Every day, we’re conducting exciting research aboard our orbiting laboratory that will help us explore further into space and bring benefits back to people on Earth. You can keep up with the latest news, videos, and pictures about space station science on the Station Research & Technology news page. It’s a curated hub of space station research digital media from Johnson and other centers and space agencies.
Sign up for our weekly email newsletter to get the updates delivered directly to you.
Follow updates on social media at @ISS_Research on Twitter, and on the space station accounts on Facebook and Instagram.
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By European Space Agency
The European Space Agency (ESA) and the Estonian Space Office have set out to develop Europe's newest space cyber range that aims to make space technology more secure and accessible for companies across Europe. Last year, Estonian industry was invited to submit proposals for concepts, and today the contract has been signed with a consortium led by Spaceit to begin development.
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By NASA
Credit: NASA NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and Nicky Fox, associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate, will host a media teleconference at 1 p.m. EST, Tuesday, Jan. 7, to provide an update on the status of the agency’s Mars Sample Return Program.
The briefing will include NASA’s efforts to complete its goals of returning scientifically selected samples from Mars to Earth while lowering cost, risk, and mission complexity.
Audio of the media call will stream live on the agency’s website.
Media interested in participating by phone must RSVP no later than two hours prior to the start of the call to: dewayne.a.washington@nasa.gov. A copy of NASA’s media accreditation policy is online.
The agency’s Mars Sample Return Program has been a major long-term goal of international planetary exploration for more than two decades. NASA’s Perseverance rover is collecting compelling science samples that will help scientists understand the geological history of Mars, the evolution of its climate, and prepare for future human explorers. The return of the samples also will help NASA’s search for signs of ancient life.
For more information about NASA’s Mars exploration, visit:
https://nasa.gov/mars
-end-
Meira Bernstein / Dewayne Washington
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1100
meira.b.bernstein@nasa.gov / dewayne.a.washington@nasa.gov
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Last Updated Jan 03, 2025 EditorJessica TaveauLocationNASA Headquarters Related Terms
Mars Sample Return (MSR) Science Mission Directorate View the full article
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By NASA
Ken Freeman (center) receives the ATCA Award for ATM-X Digital Information Platform (DIP) from Rachel Jackson, Chair ATCA Board of Directors (left) and Carey Fagan, President and CEO ATCA (right).NASA Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA) Award to the NASA ATM-X Digital Information Platform (DIP) Team
In November 2024, the Digital Information Platform (DIP) team received the prestigious Industry Award from the Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA) at the annual ATCA Connect Conference in Washington, DC. The award recognized the team’s efforts in supporting NASA’s Sustainable Flight National Partnership (SFNP), which aims for net-zero carbon emissions from aviation by 2050. The DIP sub-project focuses on increasing access to digital aviation information to enable efficient and sustainable airspace operations. DIP team has been conducting live operational demonstrations in North Texas Metroplex environment since 2022 with commercial airlines on the Collaborative Digital Departure Reroute (CDDR) tool that applies machine learning to make predictions on runway availability, departure times, and arrival times. DIP has signed Space Act Agreements with five major US airlines to carryout operational evaluation of CDDR in complex metroplex environments and is now deploying the CDDR capability to Houston. CDDR machine learning algorithm intelligently provides re-routing options to the operators by using real time weather and operational data reducing delays, fuel burn and carbon emissions. DIP is part of the Air Traffic Management – eXploration (ATM-X) project, which is focused on transforming the air traffic management system to accommodate new air vehicles. More information on the ATCA award is at: https://www.atca.org/detail-pages/news/2024/11/15/atca-presents-annual-awards-at-atca-connect-recognizing-exceptional-efforts-made-to-the-worldwide-air-traffic-control-and-airspace-system.
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