Phuong Marangoni has had her eyes on the Moon since she learned to build her first rocket using film cannisters and seltzer tablets in her southwestern Ohio hometown. As deputy project planning and control lead for NASA’s Power and Propulsion Element (PPE) project supporting the Gateway, she’s making her childhood ambition a reality.
Marangoni was first introduced to the space industry through a NASA Glenn Research Center program that partnered with a local community college to inspire a diverse population of students to pursue STEM-related fields.
“That experience solidified my interest in STEM and space, but growing up in a small town, I never thought in a million years I’d be blessed enough with the opportunity to work for NASA,” Marangoni said.
Marangoni attended Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in computer engineering and later The Pennsylvania State University, where she received a master’s in engineering management.
Following her years of schooling, Marangoni began working for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) as a software engineer. She eventually took on management roles for legacy engines and special aircraft programs – experience that would prove valuable in her role at NASA.
Marangoni joined the Artemis team working on the PPE project at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio, in 2020. The PPE, which will be integrated with the Habitation and Logistics Outpost (HALO) before launch, will provide power, thrust, and critical communication systems for the Gateway.
“It’s been decades since humans have been on the Moon.” Marangoni said. “I am most excited to learn about human experiences on and around the Moon, especially because the Gateway will allow us to live and work there for longer periods of time.”
Marangoni is responsible for the lifecycle resource management audits, cost, schedule, and export control, as well as the acquisition and procurement for the Gateway’s PPE project.
She credits her enduring commitment in the gym as enabling her resolve for conquering challenges. Marangoni’s other hobbies include collecting vintage-style sneakers, playing video games, and exploring new restaurants with her husband.
To learn more about the Gateway, visit https://www.nasa.gov/gateway.
Image Credit: Phuong Marangoni