Awards

In an effort to honor the fascinating individuals who make impactful contributions to America’s space program, the National Space Club Florida Committee recognizes them with special awards and honors.

The selection process commences a few months before the honor is bestowed and the nomination form is made available online. Nominations are only accepted through the online form.

Please note: You do not have to be a member of the NSCFL to make a nomination or to be nominated!

Each selected honoree will receive recognition at an NSCFL event, a certificate of achievement or trophy to take home, and their name etched in granite on the NSCFL’s Hall of Fame Award Pylon which is on display at the U.S. Space Walk of Fame in Titusville, FL.

Here is the list of 2024 Award Winners:

Lifetime Achievement Award

Stephen J. Sojourner worked as a mechanical engineer in Florida’s aerospace industry for more than 42 years. He has spent the last 18 years of his career providing Systems Engineering and Integration technical leadership for Ground Support Equipment (GSE) development, and testing and certification in support of the Artemis I and II missions. These systems spanned a broad range of mechanical, fluids and electrical systems that directly interface with the launch vehicle. In this role, Steve has also contributed to help mentor the next generation of space workers.

Prior to his SE&I work, Steve supported a broad range of work in support of NASA missions. He started his career as a mechanical design engineer for Pan Am World Services from 1982 to 1984 and for EG&G Florida from 1984 to 1991. From 1991 to 2003, he managed the Launch Equipment Test Facility (LETF). Two of the notable testing efforts during this time were the qualification testing of the Shuttle External Tank Composite Nosecone and the initial acceptance testing of mechanical GSE in support of the Space Station Processing Facility activation. Towards the end of his LETF work, Steve also led the Dynacs Engineering effort to establish the Cryogenics Testbed at KSC in 2000.

Rising Star Award

Dominick Munno moved to Orlando, Florida in 2014 to pursue his passion for deep space exploration at UCF with the goal of becoming an engineer at NASA. He holds an Aerospace Engineering bachelor’s degree from UCF, and earned two master’s degrees in Engineering Management and Business Administration from the University of Florida while working as a Engineer. Dominick brings a unique blend of technical expertise and business insight to his work.

Currently, Dominick serves as a Systems and Integration Engineer with Avatar Technologies, working on NASA’s Artemis Program. He leads teams of 20+ engineers, focusing on the design and integration of spacecraft hardware, managing critical launch preparations, and ensuring seamless ground support operations. His notable contributions include the integration of hypergolic fuel systems for the Orion Crew Module and the Europa Clipper mission. Dominick is also deeply involved in the community, volunteering, and leading small groups to foster personal growth and community impact.

Kolcum News & Communications Awards

Mark D. Marquette has been crazy about astronomy and astronauts since he was an 8-year-old boy in Northwest Ohio. A leader of astronomy clubs and a veteran of hundreds of outreach talks and stargazing events for more than 50 years, Mark visited the American Space Museum (ASM) in Titusville in 2017 to write a story for his Tennessee weekly “Stargazer” newspaper column. Within 3 months he moved to the Space Coast, feeling a special journey was about to begin.

Coalescing his life skills in journalism, photography, and a sales career, Mark was embraced by the museum’s director, Karan Conklin, who died tragically of cancer in August 2024. Together they promoted a new direction and awareness for ASM’s mission. Accomplishments include the Cocoa Beach Chamber of Commerce Non-Profit of 2021, taking ASM’s Facebook presence from 400 to 12,000 followers, an annual ShuttleFest conference, and a popular video podcast, “Stay Curious.”

Stephen Young is editor of the Spaceflight Now website and YouTube channel covering the Cape Canaveral Spaceport. He is also publisher of Astronomy Now, the UK’s longest-running monthly magazine for stargazers, and organizes the annual European AstroFest conference and exhibition in London. Steven was a correspondent for the Reuters news agency from 1996-1999, covering the Space Shuttle and expendable rocket launches.

Stephen started his career in space journalism in 1988 serving as assistant editor of the British Interplanetary Society’s Spaceflight magazine in London. In addition to covering launches from Cape Canaveral, Steven has reported on missions from Vandenberg Space Force Base, Russia’s Baikonur Cosmodrome, and the Pacific Spaceport Complex in Alaska.

Space Worker Hall of Fame

Human Spaceflight Advancement

Brett Raulerson has been an integral member of KSC’s Human Spaceflight Program since he began his aerospace career at KSC in 1979. During his 45 years of service, Brett supported 135 Space Shuttle missions, supported the close out of the Space Shuttle program, and continues to support NASA’s Artemis program via the TOSC/COMET contracts.

Brett’s career at KSC began in 1979 working for Martin Marietta/Lockheed Space Operations in Mobile Launcher Operations, spending 17 years progressing from a mechanical technician to the Senior MLP manager. During this period, Brett received a Silver Snoopy Award for his outstanding MLP support to the Shuttle Program. Brett later moved to Senior Manager of VAB Technical Operations with United Space Alliance, a position he held for 17 years. In 2013 Brett moved to the TOSC contract supporting the Artemis Program, spending eight years as a Project Manager supporting ML1 Development, V&V, and Operations. In 2023, Brett accepted a position as the Senior Manager over Ground Systems Support Operations and Maintenance, a position that placed him directly over three departments supporting the EGS, ISS, and LSP Programs.

Tim Reith began his career in 1991 with Lockheed in Houston working Space Shuttle Orbiter Main Propulsion. He moved to Rockwell in 1993 and then on to Boeing where he became the Main Propulsion Subsystem Manger. He took on additional responsibilities as Orbiter Chief Engineer and Associate Program Manger prior to the Space Shuttle program retirement in 2011.

Tim transitioned to the Commercial Crew Program where he was the Propulsion Systems Design Lead thru 2018. He spent the next six years as the Starliner Subsystem Integration Lead, an Associate Chief Engineer and is currently the Mission Integration & Operations Director. Each of these roles allowed him to participate in his passion for human space flight and to this day he is still amazed we get paid to do this.

Spaceflight Support

Kenneth Joseph moved to Florida from New Jersey in 1969. He moved into the house he grew up in on the day (July 16, 1969) the Apollo 11 mission was launched to the moon. Kenneth graduated from the University of Central Florida in 1981 and started at Kennedy Space Center shortly after the 1st Space Shuttle launch, with United Space Boosters Incorporated (USBI), a division of United Technologies.

Kenneth transitioned to Lockheed Martin on the Shuttle Processing Contract (SPC) in 1984, then to United Space Alliance (USA) where he worked through the last Shuttle launch and through the transition and retirement of the Shuttle fleet in 2013. That same year he transitioned to Jacobs Technology (TOSC) on the Artemis program and is still with Jacobs on the COMET contract. Kenneth recently celebrated his 43rd year at Kennedy Space Center.

Carlos Mata, Ph.D. is a distinguished engineer and scientist, currently serving as Chief Technology Officer at Scientific Lightning Solutions (SLS), a leading firm specializing in cutting-edge lightning protection, transient monitoring,

and advanced grounding systems. With over two decades of expertise spanning the US space program, commercial spaceports, DoD facilities, and critical infrastructure worldwide, Dr. Mata is internationally recognized as a pioneering authority in lightning research and protection. He holds a BSEE from Universidad Simón Bolívar and both MSEE and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Florida, where he conducted breakthrough lightning research at the International Center for Lightning Research and Testing (ICLRT).

Dr. Mata’s tenure at Kennedy Space Center led to the development of innovative technologies, including a Monte Carlo Lightning Simulation tool critical to space launch infrastructure. His achievements have earned him the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal, the KSC Engineer of the Year Award, and numerous global recognitions. Dr. Mata’s legacy is further reflected in his extensive publications and leadership roles at international conferences, solidifying his impact on the future of lightning protection and safety systems.

Mike McAleenan graduated from Rockledge High School in 1982 before entering the Air Force in 1984. He spent the next 19 years providing weather forecasts to support military operations around the world before returning to Florida in 2003 for his assignment with the 45th Weather Squadron at Cape Canaveral. Mike retired in 2007 but continues working launch operations with the 45th Weather Squadron to this day.

His accolades include being named USAF/Army Forecaster of the Year in 1992; Best Company Grade Officer in US Forces, Japan in 1999; Best Weather Officer in US Air Forces, Europe in 2000 and 2001; Air Force Association Best Space Crew Award 2006; Air Force Space Command Weather Civilian of the Year in 2008 and 2017; 45th Space Wing Civilian of the year in 2009 and 2018; and most recently he was a member of the 45th Weather Squadron’s best military forecasting team in 2024.

Marianne Rigolini’s KSC career began in 1989 when she joined Rockell International supporting the Space Shuttle program as a member of the Information Technology (IT) team automating the Thermal Protection System Facility. For 35 years, her leadership, intelligence and engaging personality have made her an instrumental contributor to NASA’s Human Spaceflight Programs. In her current role as Manager of the Management Information Systems/IT for Aerodyne Industries on the Consolidated Operations, Management, Engineering and Test contract, Marianne is responsible for some of the most critical IT aspects. She has led 70+ joint combined contractor/government teams to modernize the IT environment and is responsible for cost/schedule/performance for the $3M annual IT budget.

Marianne also created a structure and framework enabling easy delivery of insight portals as well as contract deliverables and authored the IT Change Control Board Charter and documented standardized process to disposition new IT requirements. Her impact and influence cannot be overstated – and she has received a plethora of honors during her career. She received Aerodyne’s President’s award for leadership, a Teamwork Award for support to the Command, Control & Communication Transition Team, and her team was presented the Best of KSC Software Award for development of the Secure Notification Application that tracked COVID‐19.

Mark S. Sorensen has over 40 years of experience in managing and ensuring execution excellence in both military and space programs. Mark holds a B. S. and M.S. Mechanical Engineering from the Missouri University of Science and Technology as well as a M.S. Space Systems from the Florida Institute of Technology. Mark started his career with McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis developing advanced manufacturing techniques for various US Air Force contracts. He transferred to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida and for 19 years supported the International Space Station (ISS) program development in various capacities, including leading the final assembly, test, and pre-launch operations for the 3A (STS-92), 4A (STS-97), 7A.1 (STS-105), UF1 (STS-108), UF2 (STS-111) and ULF1.1 missions.

Mark served as the ISS Chief Engineer at the KSC from 2004 to 2008 providing technical leadership for the pre-launch build and test of the ISS elements and other space endeavors. In 2009, he transferred to serve as a Chief Engineer on the Army’s Brigade Combat Team Modernization program leading efforts for qualification and operational readiness testing at White Sands Missile Range. Mark returned to the ISS program in 2012, serving as deputy director for the ISS Vehicle Sustaining Engineering Team and director of the Integrated Logistics Support team. Mark transferred to the Commercial Crew Transportation System program in 2014 and as the Crew Module IPT Lead led the build, test, and delivery of the Starliner spacecraft at KSC Florida. In this role he delivered the Pad Abort Test, Environmental Qualification Test, OFT, OFT2 and CFT vehicles for their successful test/mission campaigns. Mark is a recipient of the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal and 2 NASA Stellar Awards amongst other accolades.

Space Launch Technology

Kevin Ahrens was born in 1961, in Omaha Nebraska. Family moved to Titusville in 1964 when his father worked the Gemini and Apollo programs, He graduated from Astronaut High School in1979 and graduated from UCF in 1983 with an Electrical Engineering degree. He worked Ground Support Systems for Space Shuttle program from 1984 to the end.

As a member of the launch team, he supported 130 Shuttle launches. Kevin led the design, development and implementation for the technology improvement of the Ground Support Systems communication to

the Launch Control Center for the Shuttle program. This included hardware and software. Kevin currently working Artemis program.

Stephen Anstey began his launch career underwater. In 1976, with a BSEE from WPI, he joined GE Ordnance Systems in Pittsfield MA as a Field Engineer. GE supplied launch equipment and trainers for the Trident submarine. After working in Bangor, WA, Charleston, SC, Virginia Beach, VA, Groton, CT and Newport News, VA, he transferred to Florida in 1983 with his wife, Teresa, to support the GE equipment during US and British test launches at sea. In 1987, he started my land-based launch career with the 19 Trident II test launches from Launch Complex 46 and its initial launches at sea.

In 1989, Stephen joined the Aerospace Corporation in support of the new Titan IV A. He began as a Guidance System and Ground Launch Systems Engineer. After an MS in Engineering Management from FIT, he was promoted to a Senior Project Leader and the Aerospace Anomaly Team Coordinator for launches. In that position, he supported Titan launches through the Titan IV B fly-out from Vandenberg in 2005. Stephen maintained that position on the Atlas program supporting the last blockhouse launch from Launch Complex 36 and the first Atlas V launch. He continued on Atlas until his retirement in 2021.

David P. Floyd’s 37-year career at KSC began while he was attending the University of Central Florida and was selected to work on a McDonnell Douglas-sponsored senior programming project involving defect analysis. The project was a success, led to a job offer in the Engineering Development Lab. In addition to McDonnel Douglas, David served with Boeing, I-Net, Dynacs Engineering, ASRC, SGT, and ERC, where he supported the Test and Operations Support Contract as an Associate Chief Engineer (ACE) – Electrical. David continued in that role as he transitioned to Aerodyne Industries in 2023 on the Consolidated Operations, Management, Engineering & Test contract. As an ACE, David supports and provides leadership throughout the engineering design process.

David supports critical Integrated Engineering Review Boards, Problem Resolution Boards, System Architect Reviews, Design Certification Reviews, etc. Playing such integral roles throughout his career have led to numerous commendations, including NASA Space Flight Awareness (SFA) Launch Honoree, SFA Honoree, SFA Team Award for Hazardous Gas Detection, Center Director’s Gold Dollar Club, NASA Software of the Year Runner-up, and a General Manager’s Team Award for supporting the Artemis I mission.

Don Lovelace was born in Norfolk, Virginia and grew up in Charleston, South Carolina. He graduated from Clemson University and was commissioned a US Army Officer through ROTC in 1983. Don served four years of Army active duty prior to accepting a Payload Mechanical Engineering job with Lockheed at the Kennedy Space Center in 1987. Don’s primary function was to install Payloads and Spacecraft into the Space Shuttle Payload Bay at launch pads 39A and 39B. Don became the Lead of the Payload Mechanical group and eventually the Supervisor of the Payload Mechanical department with United Space Alliance until the last Space Shuttle mission in 2011. Don worked Shuttle Transition and Retirement with United Space Alliance until the Shuttle Program ended in 2013.

Don was hired as a Senior Manager by the Jacobs Space Operations Group in 2013 and was promoted to Deputy Director Space Flight Processing in 2021. Don provided JSOG operations senior management to NASA’s Launch Services Program, International Space Station Program, and Artemis Program until he retired in August 2024. Don continued his Army career for 26 years in the Army Reserves while working at KSC and retired as a Colonel in 2013 from the Florida Army National Guard.

James A. Stephenson for more than 35 years has provided critical Logistics support for NASA’s Human Space Flight Programs. With dogged determination, he quickly rose through the ranks to become a Lead of Transportation, Packing and Crating (TP&C), where he was responsible for handling, storing, transportation and shipping NASA hardware domestically and internationally. Jim transitioned from TP&C to Customer Support Representative, where he ensured the planning and execution of arriving hardware, payloads, and critical ground support equipment for domestic and international partners and its delivery to the next launch provider.

Jim advanced to his current position as a Flow Manager for Vehicle Hardware Processing and Commercial Host Role Support for Aerodyne Industries on the Consolidated Operations, Management, Engineering & Test contract. He is responsible for planning, integrating, and managing flight hardware and resources for processing Orbital Replacement Units manifested for the International Space Station. He implements customer support requirements and integrates activities into the daily workflow of the Space Systems Processing Facility.

Here is the list of 2023 Award Recipients.

Lifetime Achievement Awards

Arthur Cleveland Waite, PE, has worked as a structural engineer in Florida’s aerospace industry for more than 40 years. He spent 34 years of his career at BRPH, retiring as Director of Aerospace and a principal in 2020, and remains a valued consultant for the firm. Art specialized in planning and design for complex projects at launch facilities on the Space Coast and around the U.S. His vast portfolio of work at the Cape Canaveral Spaceport includes major modifications to space transportation infrastructure, including Launch Complex 39A and B, the VAB, Complex 17, and many other facilities.

Early in his career, Art helped foster the next generation of engineers as a graduate teaching assistant and adjunct faculty member at Florida Institute of Technology. He worked at Pan Am World Services from 1982 to 1984 and for EG&G Florida from 1984 to 1986. Art was a longtime member of National Space Club and served as a featured speaker at numerous national and international space events. He served on the NSCFL board from 2010 to 2020. He currently resides in Grant, Florida, with his wife, Pat.

Billy Haynes Childers spent 31 years supporting the U.S. space program, including Gemini, Apollo, and the Space Shuttle, with 27 years at Kennedy Space Center. He received numerous NASA Special Achievement Awards including the prestigious NASA Public Service Medal in 1975, 1976, and 1981, holding various positions in NASA management, including as the Division Chief for Facilities, Communications, and Computer Systems. Billy later joined Lockheed Martin as the Director of Operations and Maintenance for all Shuttle Launch Facilities, managing over 1,100 personnel.

Billy was an active member of the National Management Society (a predecessor to the NSCFL), networking and mentoring young and upcoming professionals, hosting conferences, and serving in educational speaking engagements on the Apollo and Shuttle programs. Billy is best remembered for his leadership abilities and his ability to remain calm, logical, and a voice of reason during discussions of complex engineering issues, strategic direction, and policy/process concerns. Retired for 23 years, Billy resides with his wife of 62 years, Alene, in Ball Ground, Georgia.

Rising Star Awards

Sara Karimi joined Aerodyne as an Electrical Engineer in 2017. She quickly advanced to Manager of Simulation Development and Integration, then again to her current role as Senior Manager of Simulation and Control Systems Applications on the Consolidated Operations, Management, Engineering and Test (COMET) contract. She currently leads a team of 75 engineers at the cutting edge of technology for Artemis command and control. She has won Aerodyne’s President’s Award and NASA Group Achievement awards. Sara earned degrees from the University of Florida and the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Kelly Lai McGuire joined Boeing in 2015 as a Structural and Payload Design Engineer, responsible for Ground and Production Support Equipment for the Space Launch System. She currently wears multiple hats, ranging from Lead Design Engineer to the GSE/PSE team, subject matter expert for the production and installation of the Main Propulsion System, Integration Lead for future core stage tools, and Lead Vehicle Design Engineer for the Chief Engineer’s office. She’s been involved in Boeing’s Asian Professional Association and Boeing’s Women in Leadership, and now chairs REACH KSC, focusing on community service, and networking. Kelly earned an aerospace engineering degree from the University of Central Florida.

Kolcum News & Communications Awards

Rebecca Burgman is the Senior Manager of Communications and Public Relations at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, where she manages the team that develops messaging, press materials, social media content, and media relationships on and off site. Born and raised in Titusville, Rebecca is an active member of the community, currently serving on the board of directors of weVENTURE, Health First Foundation board of trustees, and is past president of the Junior League of South Brevard. She is also a member of the Space Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association.

Robert Pearlman is a journalist, historian, and founder/editor of collectSPACE.com, a publication devoted to space history with a focus on how space intersects with pop culture. He is a contributing writer for Space.com and co-author of Space Stations: The Art, Science, and Reality of Working in Space. He previously developed content for the National Space Society and Buzz Aldrin, helped establish the space tourism company Space Adventures, and serves on the History Committee of the American Astronautical Society. Robert was inducted into the Space Camp Hall of Fame in Huntsville, and received the American Astronautical Society’s Ordway Award for Sustained Excellence in Spaceflight History.

Space Worker Hall of Fame

Patrick Adkins began his aerospace career in the U.S. Navy as an Aviation Ordnance Aircrewman in VP-62 anti-submarine maritime patrol squadron. He joined the space program in 1985 as a Quality Assurance Inspector for the Space Shuttle, supporting 117 flights until the end of the program with STS-135 in 2011. Patrick served as a member of the Mishap Investigation Team of first responders in Texas after the loss of Columbia and its crew. He has supported 29 uncrewed launch campaigns and has served as a Quality Assurance Specialist for the Artemis program.

Teresa Annulis is a 2^nd generation KSC worker, with a sister and two sons also working there. Since the 1960s, her family has supported the Mercury and Apollo programs. Her career began as a Fuel Cell & Power Reaction System Distribution (PRSD) engineer. She transitioned to Test Conductor in 1990, serving as Landing Lead and Responsible Organization Representative (ROR) for launch countdown operations, and as OTC for seven Space Shuttle launches. She has supported the Artemis program with management and problem solving for launch pad integration.

Tom Clark began his career in Marine Corps aviation, which led to a position with Lockheed at Vandenberg in 1984 as a cryogenic technician for the Space Shuttle’s West Coast program. Tom advanced into engineering and transferred to KSC, where he held leadership positions in support of over 100 Space Shuttle launches. Tom joined ERC in 2013 and in 2017 and was promoted to manage cryogenic and pneumatic systems. In 2021 he was promoted to Senior Manager for Propulsion and Avionics. He recently transitioned to the COMET contract, working for Aerodyne.

Randal Coppola retired from the Army and transitioned to Brevard County as a docent at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Museum. He used the GI Bill to learn media production and began making space-related historical videos showcasing the Cape’s culture and technological achievements. Randal provides context for hundreds of visitors to the spaceport’s historical sites and has shared videos and discussion of the Cape’s history at venues throughout Florida, from libraries to nursing homes. He worked to add a Space History section to the Cape Canaveral Library, and spent hundreds of hours assisting in the Space Force Museum Archives.

Eric Duffin has supported the Space Shuttle, ISS, and Artemis programs at KSC for 36 years. With degrees in Applied Physics, Computer Science, and Space Technology, he led pivotal engineering and design teams during his KSC career, focusing on Solid Rocket Booster testing, thrust vector control systems, SRB retrieval operations for the Space Shuttle, and systems within the Space Station Processing Facility. He joined Aerodyne under the TOSC contract, leading Artemis Flight Avionics, Communications and Tracking through the successful launch of Artemis I in 2022.

Ira Erteschik began working for Martin Marietta at KSC in 1981 on the Space Shuttle External Tank Thermal Protection System. He transitioned to Lockheed Martin and United Space Alliance as an ET TPS Engineer and Orbiter Project Engineer. Ira managed the Shuttle/Payload Project Engineering organization from 1999 through the end of the Shuttle program, and then joined Jacobs to manage the Requirements & Process Integration organization on the TOSC and COMET contracts, supporting Exploration Ground Systems, Space Launch System, Orion, ISS, and the Launch Services Program (LSP).

Joe Hamilton began his career at MIT Draper Lab working on the Apollo and Poseidon guidance systems; he also performed structural analysis on Hubble Space Telescope designs. At Northrop he was responsible for mechanical design and structural/thermal analysis for a military Space Shuttle mission. Joe started working at KSC in 1990 performing reliability and independent assessments for the ISS and various Shuttle systems, working for United Space Alliance safety and mission assurance. For the last 15 years Joe has been a member of the NASA Flight Pressure Systems team.

Marianne Idzi has devoted 40 years to supporting our nation’s space programs in the Air Force and at aerospace contractors. Her career began in 1984 with the Air Force supporting launch, early orbit, and monitoring operations of the GPS constellation. She advanced at the Eastern Range to become a Range Control Officer and Range Operations Director in support of 35 DoD, NASA, commercial launches. Marianne served at the Pentagon, working to integrate space control requirements into operational baselines and war-fighting support plans. Currently at Aerodyne, she supports NASA’s International Space Station and Launch Services Program.

Brent Maney spent 29 years of federal service between active duty and civil service. He supported the Space Shuttle as an Air Force pararescue man in the late 1990s. He also trained joint special operations and medical forces around the world. Brent currently acts as the Department of Defense human spaceflight support, medical plans, and programs manager, where he coordinates medical support around the globe for rescue, recovery, and medical evacuation of NASA and NASA-sponsored astronauts in the new era of human spaceflight.

Shelby Roberts has been part of NASA’s human spaceflight program since 1988. He started at KSC as an Orbiter Airframe Engineer before transitioning to the Liquid Oxygen (LOX) Engineering group in 1996, advancing to LOX System Lead Engineer. Shelby played a role in 109 Shuttle missions, maintaining a leadership role as he transitioned into Artemis. For Artemis, his group re-certified the LOX systems at Launch Pad 39B, performed verification and validation of the new Mobile Launcher systems, and developed new cryogenic loading procedures for the launch campaign. Shelby was honored with numerous awards including the Launch Director’s Hall of Fame award.

Ed Sikora started at KSC with Rockwell International just after STS-3 with the Space Shuttle Main Engine Group. He worked as Application Software Team Lead developing scripts to support MPS/Engine Console Operators. Edward earned an MS in Computer Science from Florida Tech (having previously obtaining a BS in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Florida) and an MBA from Webster University while working toward the close of the Space Shuttle program as a System Specialist. His career path led him through QinetiQ, Vencore, and currently ERC, where he supports the TOSC/COMET contract and the Artemis program.

Josh Sterritt began his career at KSC in 1979 as a propulsion engineer, advancing through various technical leadership positions, culminating with Principal Engineer for Space Shuttle Cryogenic Propulsion in 1998. He supported 124 of the 135 Space Shuttle missions from the propulsion console in the Prime Firing Room. Following Shuttle retirement, John worked within the Ground Operations Capabilities contract providing cryogenic expertise for the Space Launch System (SLS). In 2013, he transitioned to the TOSC and then COMET contracts, continuing to support Artemis as the SLS Main Propulsion Systems Specialist.

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