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I Am Building SLS: Ashley Lee, Project Lead, Advanced Real Time Environment for Modeling, Integration and Simulation (ARTEMIS)

I am the project lead for NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) Advanced Real Time Environment for Modeling, Integration and Simulation (ARTEMIS).

ARTEMIS is the real-time simulation backbone of the SLS Systems Integration Test Facility, Systems Integration Laboratory, and the Software Development Facility — all where we test avionics. My team has the responsibility to develop mockups of the SLS avionics for the avionics hardware and software.

Integrating and powering up the hardware, software and operating systems for the SLS — something we call “first light” — is an exciting milestone for both our avionics prime contractor, Boeing, and NASA. It represents the first time in the program that we have successfully integrated the SLS core stage avionics in a “flight-like” configuration. 

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d ever be working for NASA, much less leading an important project like this for the agency. I came to NASA in 2007 after serving more than 10 years on active duty in the U.S. Army. As a child, I always marveled at the accomplishments of NASA and viewed the engineers and scientists working here as being the smartest people on the planet. I feel honored and very fortunate to work on the SLS Program, and with some of the most dedicated and accomplished engineers and scientists in the world.

My advice to students would be to invest in your future by fully applying yourself to your education. Learn to employ effective time-management strategies to help you manage your school, work and life balance. It is important that you make time to study but equally important to make time for yourself and your family. Find something that makes you happy.