The following was written by Ana Julia Bleeker, who is on the UGA Volleyball team. She is studying Mechanical Engineering and had the opportunity to participate in NASA’s Launch Services Program (LSP) Student Volunteer Learning Experience this summer.
This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in NASA’s Launch Services Program (LSP) Student Volunteer Learning Experience at Kennedy Space Center. Throughout the experience, I gained valuable insight from NASA professionals, engineers, and industry experts into the many disciplines involved in successful space missions, including mission planning, launch vehicle integration, and the teamwork required behind every launch. This experience deepened my appreciation for the complexity, collaboration, and innovation that drive space exploration.
One of the most valuable parts of the experience was the opportunity to engage directly with mentors and professionals across the different disciplines involved in supporting the launch. Hearing about their career paths and the challenges they solve every day helped me better understand the many opportunities available in engineering and related fields. This experience emphasized that engineering is not only about designing and analyzing systems, but also how you collaborate with other disciplines and teams to solve complex problems.
One of the biggest takeaways from this experience was realizing that NASA’s success depends on far more than just engineers. Before this program, I often viewed NASA primarily through an engineering lens, but I gained a deeper appreciation for the many roles required to make missions successful. Engineers, project managers, business professionals, communications teams, outreach specialists, and many others work together to bring each mission to life, combining their unique skills and expertise toward a shared goal. On the first day, we learned that NASA LSP’s motto is “Earth’s Bridge to Space,” and throughout the program, I saw how every individual plays an essential role in turning that mission into a reality.
One of the most memorable parts of the experience was seeing the incredible facilities, infrastructure, and equipment that support NASA’s missions. We toured the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), Hangar AE, the Crawler-Transporter, Launch Pad 39B, the Space Shuttle Atlantis, and the Orion capsule from Artemis II. At the VAB, we saw the new core stage being prepared for the Artemis III mission, which highlighted the scale and complexity involved in assembling a launch vehicle. The Crawler-Transporter and Launch Pad 39B further emphasized the enormous scale of the systems required to support a launch. At Hangar AE, we experienced what it is like to be part of a launch support team by sitting on a panel during a simulated launch scenario. Finally, seeing the Space Shuttle Atlantis, the actual orbiter that flew missions to space, and the Orion capsule that carried astronauts for Artemis II was an incredible moment that brought the history of human spaceflight to life and made the legacy of NASA’s work feel real and impactful.
I am incredibly grateful to NASA’s Launch Services Program, the mentors who shared their knowledge, and everyone involved in this learning experience. A special thank you goes to Jarrod Bales, Jeff Williams, Aharon Mims, and Ryan Taylor for their time, guidance, and for making the week especially meaningful. Their support and insight left a lasting impression on all of us. This opportunity to step beyond the classroom and experience the work being done at Kennedy Space Center provided a new perspective on my future as an engineer and strengthened my motivation to continue pursuing opportunities that challenge me to learn, grow, and contribute to meaningful work.
