The Women of FAA Space Operations
By Iliyah Coles, FAA Intern
Commercial space operations are one of the most innovative and rapidly developing areas in the FAA. Employees in the FAA’s Air Traffic Organization (ATO) play a critical role supporting the commercial space mission, and women are playing a larger role as the operations become more frequent.
Some high-profile missions this summer included the first manned flight from U.S. soil in a decade: SpaceX’s Crew Dragon and the recent launch of the Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover.
Here are some testimonials from Hannah Browne, Beth Adams and Jaime McMillon, just a few employees in the ATO who help ensure that the airspace is clear and that the safety of other aircraft is maintained during those important missions.
Why were you drawn to commercial space operations?
“We are in relatively uncharted territory,” said Browne, ATO Space Operations Specialist, who explained that the swiftly changing nature of the career field is what led her to the job. “It is intriguing to be solving new and unique challenges on a daily basis.”
Beth Adams, Space Operations specialist in Systems Operations Services (Space Ops) started off as an air traffic controller after serving in the U.S. Navy. She accepted a job with the FAA at the Air Traffic Control System Command Center as a support specialist at Potomac Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) facility.
After hearing ATO COO Teri Bristol announce that space operations would be more fully integrated into the national airspace system (NAS), Adams applied for a job in Space Ops and was selected into the Command Center’s Space Command.
“I never imagined my career in air traffic control would ever lead me to rocket control. I did not see that on the horizon,” she said.
Jaime McMillon worked for almost 10 years in the Office of Commercial Space (AST) before recently acquiring a new position in the ATO Program Management Organization.
McMillon first became interested in space as a young student. She went to school in central Florida near Kennedy Space Center. McMillon earned an internship there, where she focused on facility maintenance for launch support sites.
“Being on site on Kennedy Space Center,” she said, “It was truly exciting to watch the launch operations team integrate the Space Shuttle vehicle, roll it out to the launch pad, and then finally watch it launch.”
What is your role in launches?
Browne’s job is to ensure space missions are integrated into the NAS without compromising the safety of the flying public. She and her team work on developing and implementing space-related procedures into the NAS to maintain ATO safety standards.
Browne also assists in identifying hazard areas, developing contingency plans, and managing a real-time hotline so there is a rapid response in the event of an emergency.
Currently, Adams helps communicate the needs of the new space operators and planned missions to the air traffic control facilities that surround the geographic area around launches. She also collaborates within the FAA about which space operations are coming and how they are going to be handled.
Before McMillon joined the FAA, she had the opportunity to be part of the Space Shuttle Propulsion Integration team, where she gained an understanding of how the various propulsion elements came together to get ready for launch.
McMillon’s position within AST allows her to support launch and reentry operations as part of the Joint Space Operations Group, as well as support the development of phases one and two of the Space Data Integrator.
What’s your favorite part of the job?
When asked about her favorite aspects of the job, Browne said, “Being part of such a great team; the breadth of knowledge among my colleagues is so expansive, and being surrounded by some of the brightest minds of our time is inspiring.”
Browne’s team recently completed a project involving a data-exchange network for the Civil Air Navigation Services Organization called CADENA. They worked to develop procedures that are in the process of being adopted on an international level, which promotes the timely sharing of information between foreign air navigation service providers and necessary FAA stakeholders.
McMillon’s favorite part of her job in AST is being able to support real-time operations at the Command Center and test out new tools such as the Space Data Integrator, and she enjoys the people and teams she works with over the years because they are always so passionate about space.
Adams really enjoys learning about new companies’ business plans, their vehicles, and what that brings to the economy as a whole. She said, “Travel is going to be more space-like to reduce time and improve energy and efficiency.” About her career, she added, “It surprises me every day.”
How can we encourage new generations to develop an interest in space?
Commercial space operations team members make an effort to encourage younger generations to pursue careers in space.
Adams provides presentations to students and the Smithsonian Air and Space Camp cadets: “They are very excited about rockets and the idea that their generation will be able to travel to space.”
Though Space Ops encourages all young people to follow that career path. Adams said, “It’s important for [young women] to see that women are already able to work in these jobs and that they can do it…all they have to do is just want to.”
Browne sees a similar significance in emphasizing women in Space Ops. She said, “By promoting greater diversity in a field that will benefit from fresh thinking, we can solve greater challenges that lie ahead.”
Browne also mentioned that it is vital to note that science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields are for everyone, which will allow for young girls to see themselves in those career paths.
McMillon added that there are so many different ways to be involved in space because there are so many different positions available.
They say they are excited that the number of space operations is growing so quickly with a plethora of new companies and ideas, more women are involved than ever before as they lead the charge into uncharted, yet exhilarating territory.
Want to learn more about how the FAA supports space operations? Go to faa.gov/space for more information, and read this article about the origins of the commercial space industry.
The FAA’s STEM AVSED program’s missions is to prepare and inspire the next generation of skilled professionals for aviation and aerospace careers, while promoting STEM-based education programs. Go to faa.gov/education for more about FAA sponsored STEM programs.
