Jeremy Graeber

Jeremy Graeber is the assistant launch director within the Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) Program at NASA’s John F. Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Graeber directly supports and assists Artemis Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson during launch countdown operations conducted from Firing Room 1 in the Launch Control Center, as well as with launch-related studies and trades for exploration missions.

Experience

Graeber previously served as the chief of the Test, Launch, and Recovery Operations Branch within EGS. This branch is responsible for planning and executing complex and hazardous test operations associated with integrated ground systems verification and validation, flight and ground systems integrated testing of the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft, and launch and recovery operations.

Graeber also worked as the Exploration Flight Test 1 (EFT-1) NASA Recovery director (NRD) for EGS. He was responsible for leading the EFT-1 recovery team that partnered with the U.S. Navy and successfully recovered the EFT-1 Orion crew module from the Pacific Ocean.

Prior to the retirement of the Space Shuttle Program, Graeber was a launch NASA test director. He was one of four certified NASA test directors responsible for leading the shuttle team in planning, scheduling and executing the shuttle launch countdown.

Graeber joined NASA in 2004 as a NASA test director in the Launch and Landing Division. He was involved with the prelaunch processing operations and launch countdown since space shuttle’s Return to Flight. In addition to his shuttle launch countdown duties, he was very involved with planning and executing the Ares I-X launch as the Launch Vehicle Test Conductor (LVTC).

Graeber came to Kennedy in 1996 as a fuel cell/power reactant storage and distribution system engineer for United Space Alliance, the main contractor supporting the Space Shuttle Program. He was responsible for the test and checkout of the ground support equipment and flight vehicle fuel cell systems for all of the space shuttle vehicles. Graeber went on to be assigned as a lead fuel cell system engineer for the space shuttle Endeavour’s processing team.

Awards

Graeber has received several awards, including the astronaut’s Silver Snoopy for his work on the emergency egress training and equipment development, a Superior Accomplishment Award for his work as a launch vehicle test conductor for the Ares I-X mission, the Senior Leadership Medal for distinguished leadership in his role with the EGS Program, an Exceptional Achievement Medal for his work as the NRD for EFT-1 recovery and was selected as a NASA 60th Anniversary Space Flight Awareness Honoree.

Education

Graeber graduated from Florida State University in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering.

Personal

Graeber spent his childhood living in several states, including Florida, Colorado, and New York, before returning to Tampa, Florida, where he graduated from Gaither High School and received All-America status as a stand-out soccer goalkeeper. He now resides in Oviedo, Florida, with his wife Stephanie and their three children. He is the son of Jim and Kathy Graeber of Seminole, Florida.

Biography last updated February 2023