The colossal roar of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, accompanied by the cascade of supercooled propellant, marked a pivotal moment for Allison Mjoen and her family. As Operations Manager for NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems Program, Mjoen played a crucial role in developing the ground operations that will propel humanity back to the Moon, a culmination of her two-decade career dedicated to space exploration.
A Career Forged in Spaceflight History
Mjoen’s journey began supporting the Space Shuttle Program as a flight crew systems engineer. Her team meticulously handled mission-specific cabin configurations, ensuring astronauts had everything from food and spacesuits to vital cargo and payloads. Following the retirement of the Space Shuttle, she transitioned to the International Space Station (ISS) Program as a payload integration engineer, bridging the gap between experiment investigators and hardware developers. Her experience further broadened as she worked in the Project Office before joining NASA’s Operations Project Engineering Office, where she led the Spacecraft Payloads Integration and Evolution Element for the foundational Artemis I mission.
From Artemis I to Future Lunar Missions
A significant milestone in Mjoen’s career was becoming a certified operations project engineer and supporting integrated firing room operations during Artemis I. This certification, coupled with its application during live operations, brought a profound sense of responsibility. “Every decision and communication directly supported the integrated team’s ability to execute safely and properly implement the test procedure,” Mjoen stated. This experience cemented the importance of preparation, collaboration, and trust, principles she now applies daily as she coordinates across various teams. She highlights the rewarding nature of her work, stating, “I get to collaborate everyday with incredibly talented and dedicated people who are all working toward the same goal. It’s especially rewarding to know that our collective efforts directly contribute to the success of the mission.” Mjoen is looking forward to Artemis creating inspiring moments for a new generation, mirroring the impact of the Apollo Moon landings, but with a vision for a sustained human presence on the lunar surface.
Source: NASA
