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By NASA
NASA A space shuttle lifts off high above the surrounding land in this Aug. 1, 1973, illustration. With 135 missions flown over 30 years, NASA’s shuttle fleet achieved numerous firsts and opened space up to more people than ever before.
Each space shuttle consisted of three major components: the orbiter, which housed the crew, a large external tank that held fuel for the main engines, and two solid rocket boosters that provided most of the shuttle’s lift during the first two minutes of flight. All the components were reused except for the external fuel tank, which burned up in the atmosphere after each launch. The space shuttle was the world’s first reusable spacecraft.
Check out the NASA+ playlist, “The Shuttle Era.”
Image credit: NASA
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By European Space Agency
The Copernicus Sentinel Expansion Missions are a major leap forward in Europe’s Earth observation capabilities. With the United Kingdom’s re-entry to the EU’s Copernicus programme, funding has been confirmed to complete the development of all six Copernicus Sentinel Expansion Missions, as discussed this week during the International Astronautical Congress taking place in Milan, Italy.
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By NASA
During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we celebrate the thousands of employees living with disabilities who contribute to NASA’s mission. By sharing their stories, we highlight the impact people with disabilities have on our organization and the vital role they play in fostering an inclusive workforce at NASA.
Meghan Daley sits in the Orbiter Processing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida during the final days of the Space Shuttle Program. Meghan Daley has spent nearly two decades blazing new trails in robotics. As a project manager in NASA’s Engineering, Software Robotics, and Simulation Division at Johnson Space Center in Houston, she is building simulations that will shape the future of space exploration.
From training astronauts with advanced robotic tools to collaborating with the Department of Defense on research simulations, Daley’s work is transforming how humans interact with space, ensuring that every mission is set up for success.
Daley oversees key programs at Johnson, including the Generic On-Orbit Robotic Trainer (GROOT), the Robotic OnBoard Trainer, and Dynamics Skills Trainers. These tools are vital to NASA’s mission and are used in both ground-based simulations and real-time space operations.
One of Daley’s proudest achievements is launching GROOT, a simulation system that trains astronauts in a variety of robotic operations. From handling the Canadarm2 for spacecraft docking to servicing satellites, GROOT prepares astronauts for tasks like performing maintenance, assembling structures in space, managing cargo, and even coordinating multiple robotic systems.
The tool also supports astronauts in mastering robotic inspections, autonomous operations, and emergency procedures, making it indispensable for missions to the Moon and Mars.
During a visit by Gen. John W. Raymond to the Systems Engineering Simulator, the general requested an outdated rendezvous and proximity operations simulation for the United States Space Force.
Recognizing the limitations of the old system and knowing her team’s capabilities, Daley proposed building a new simulation from scratch to meet their needs. In 2019, GROOT was born and continues to be a critical asset in NASA’s training toolkit.
United States Space Force Vice Chief of Space Operations Gen. David D. Thompson observes a demonstration of the Generic On-Orbit Robotic Trainer alongside NASA astronauts and crew members. For Daley, celebrating her identity and culture in the workplace is about advocacy and education. She is passionate about using her voice to promote awareness and understanding, not just for her own experience, but for the benefit of all.
“Being a woman in engineering is extremely difficult. However, being a woman with a disability in engineering is even harder,” Daley said. “I have learned how important it is to communicate your ideas, questions, and concerns.”
When reflecting on her career, Daley says she cannot pick a favorite project. Each one—from Orion to Gateway to the International Space Station and space shuttle—has deepened her understanding of NASA’s vision.
The Robotic OnBoard Trainer onboard the International Space Station in the U.S. Destiny Laboratory. As Daley looks to the future of robotics and human spaceflight, she remains optimistic and passionate about inspiring the next generation of explorers.
“Keep your hope and don’t be afraid to ask questions because that is how you learn and become a leader!” she said.
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By NASA
Bridget Moody stands at NASA’s Stennis Space Center where she is the technical lead for the NASA Stennis Environmental and Health Services Office. Along with supporting the NASA mission at NASA Stennis, Moody supports commercial companies by helping them determine environmental requirements and obtain required permits.NASA/Danny Nowlin Bridget Moody has the future in mind every day she works for NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.
The future success of NASA’s Artemis campaign. The future success of commercial companies working at NASA Stennis. The future success of the Artemis Generation to follow.
As technical lead for the NASA Stennis Environmental and Health Services Office, Moody’s job helps ensure work at America’s largest rocket propulsion test site is carried out with the best environmental stewardship in mind.
“This work is important because it helps preserve a legacy,” Moody said. “NASA has a mission, and it is also making sure we do that in the most environmentally sound manner possible. We all have the responsibility to protect and improve the environment.”
The McNeill, Mississippi, resident supports NASA’s Artemis campaign by managing the NASA Stennis air permit, ensuring all federal and state requirements are met.
The south Mississippi center is at the front end of the critical path for future space exploration by conducting hot fire testing for RS-25 engines that will help power NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket.
NASA Stennis also is preparing to test the agency’s new exploration upper stage for future SLS flights. The newer upper stage will help NASA carry larger payloads on future Artemis missions to the Moon and beyond.
Additionally, Moody’s knowledge of operations and environmental requirements benefits commercial companies working at NASA Stennis by helping them determine environmental requirements and obtain required permits in a timely manner.
“We know what needs to be done and how to get it done, so we can really help facilitate and expedite those processes for them,” she said.
Moody, a native of Slidell, Louisiana, moved to Mississippi from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 2005. One year later, she started working as a contractor at NASA Stennis before being hired by NASA in 2016.
The Southeastern Louisiana graduate received a NASA Early Career Achievement Medal in 2021. She was named a Space Hero by the agency that same year and received NASA’s prestigious Space Flight Awareness Silver Snoopy award, the astronaut’s award given to less than 1 percent of the total NASA workforce annually, in 2023.
“NASA is one of the top federal agencies to work for,” Moody said. “Everybody knows about NASA, so it is amazing to be here, to contribute to our mission and be a part of that legacy. At NASA Stennis, we work as a team with everyone contributing to meet all challenges. The work culture at NASA helps everybody realize that their contribution is important to our success, and all can have their voices heard.”
As NASA continues its mission of exploring the unknown in air and space, innovating for the benefit of humanity, and inspiring the world through discovery, Moody will continue working to leave things better than she found it in hopes of inspiring the Artemis Generation to come.
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