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Marshall Engineer Corey Harrell Launches Inspiration into Communities

Corey Harrell, the engines Safety and Mission Assurance branch chief at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, knew at a young age that his passion for math and science would take him places, but he never imagined that his work would enable missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond.

Corey Harrell, the engines Safety and Mission Assurance branch chief at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, knew at a young age that his passion for math and science would take him places, but he never imagined that his work would enable missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond.

After graduating from Tennessee State University in Nashville with his electrical engineering degree in 2001, Harrell received many job offers. He accepted a position in Dallas before stumbling across a gift that made him reconsider his opportunities.

Corey Harrell assisting with NASA's public outreach during Super Bowl week in Houston, Texas.
Corey Harrell, Safety and Mission Assurance branch chief at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, assisting with NASA’s public outreach during Super Bowl week in Houston, Texas.
Corey Harrell

While packing to relocate to Texas, an autographed picture of Guion Stewart Bluford Jr., the first African American astronaut, fell from the pages of his high school yearbook. The gift from his aunt caused him to consider a job offer to work with NASA Marshall.

“The picture of Bluford was my sign to take the job with Marshall,” said Harrell. “I felt like it was telling me something.”

Today, he supports the S&MA Directorate’s Liquid Engines Office of NASA’s Space Launch System Program. This role allows him to contribute to the testing that ultimately certifies the rocket’s RS-25 engines to power the SLS. Harrell also oversees the safety of testing and assembly at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.

SLS, NASA’s new heavy-lift rocket, will enable a new era of exploration beyond low-Earth orbit and send astronauts in the Orion spacecraft on deep-space missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond.

Corey Harrell's autographed Guion Bluford photo inspires him to motivate younger generations.
Corey Harrell’s autographed Guion Bluford photo inspires him to motivate younger generations.
NASA

“I never get tired of seeing engine tests. Every time I get to witness one, I feel a sense of completeness,” Harrell said. “Not many people can say they’ve seen a rocket engine test, much less been a part of one.”

Harrell still looks to his autographed photo for inspiration from time to time and harnesses that encouragement from Bluford to motivate younger generations. Harrell has spoken about his passion for NASA at schools, career fairs and even the 2017 Super Bowl in Houston.

Being able to see himself in the students that are engaging in the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics is something that drives Harrell to spread the word about the agency. Introducing STEM disciplines to younger generations from various backgrounds is a partnership that NASA continues to build, and Harrell has become a useful member of the effort.

“It’s so important to get the message out about NASA,” says Harrell. “I love to talk and I enjoy talking about what I do. Children and adults alike appreciate hearing about what we do here, and I’m fortunate enough to be able to tell them about it.”