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We Are NASA: Haleh Safavi, Space Network (SN) Communications Systems Engineer

We Are NASA: Haleh Safavi, Space Network (SN) Communications Systems Engineer
To celebrate Women's History Month, we spotlighted members of the Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) team! Read more:

What makes your job at NASA exciting or unique?

My job involves research in conventional communications technologies, as well as technologies which will push the boundaries of how space missions communicate such as quantum communications, optical communications and machine learning. Optical communications in particular will enable space exploration and science missions to gather amounts of data larger than any other type of communications technology before it and advance humanity’s knowledge of our universe further than ever. It is also very exciting to me that the high impact, high visibility nature of my work will inspire kids to pursue STEM careers. Who knows what technologies the next generation will develop?

How does your position contribute to NASA’s mission of exploration?

My job is directly related to lunar exploration. My work supports the development of Ka-band radio frequency and optical communications with the Gateway, as well as building the ground station for optical communications support of the Orion capsule. Communications is the heart of any space mission. Without it, there can’t be a mission.

What’s your favorite thing about working for NASA?

I love so many aspects of my job that choosing just one thing is extremely difficult. My work influences so important science and exploration missions. I suppose the best part of my job is seeing a mission come to fruition. Space missions require years of careful planning and there are often enormous hurdles to overcome. Getting to witness the results of all that hard work is very satisfying.

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