Hello, I am Wanda Harding, a mission integration manager with our Launch Services Program.
The Launch Services Program serves as the bridge from Earth to orbit for many of NASA's most exciting missions,
such as the robotic missions to Mars, and Earth-observing satellites, and so many other unique discovery missions.
By using the expendable launch vehicles and services provided by our launch vehicle contractors, such as
Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Orbital Sciences, we send space and Earth-science missions to places we can only dream of going.
The team of scientists and engineers responsible for the design and build of the various spacecraft missions are our customers.
As the mission integration manager, or MIM, I work very closely with these customers, beginning very early in the process.
Once the missions have been selected, the Launch Services Program begins working with the
spacecraft team to make sure their launch vehicle requirements are realistic.
As part of my job, I lead the Mission Integration Team. This team focuses on doing what is necessary to make certain the
spacecraft-to-launch vehicle integration meets the customer's requirements and, ultimately, the NASA mission gets to its proper orbit or destination.
I believe my role as mission integration manager is a very interesting and challenging one.
In addition to leading the Mission Integration Team, I am also tasked with reviewing the technical content and context of the launch services contracts,
managing a schedule of activities that can span a period of 24 to 36 months, or even longer, providing budget management for unique mission requirements,
working with the launch site manager to make certain our customers have what they need when they arrive to the launch site, supporting all
major spacecraft reviews, and informing my management of any significant issues while coming up with valid solutions.
I enjoy the opportunity I have to travel across the country in working with the various spacecraft projects.
Meeting and working with a variety of people and personalities also makes this a very interesting job.
The launch is an incremental, but significant, step in the overall life of a NASA mission.
We work very carefully to assure a successful launch because once the spacecraft is separated from the launch vehicle,
though our job is done, the real science mission is just beginning.
My advice to anyone interested in a career in this exciting field is to treat learning as fun and exciting,
participate in science and math fairs, get involved in extracurricular activities, understand what is truly important about life,
and just be ready to face new challenges as they come along.