Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of six features introducing you to members of NASA’s Launch Services Program (LSP) team at Kennedy Space Center in Florida who are part of the GOES-T mission. The features will run weekly through March 1.
By Jason Costa
NASA’s Kennedy Space Center
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite T (GOES-T) satellite is the third satellite in the GOES-R Series, the Western Hemisphere’s most advanced weather observing and environmental monitoring system. GOES-T will provide advanced imagery and atmospheric measurements, real-time mapping of lightning activity, and monitoring of space weather.
GOES-T is scheduled to launch March 1, 2022, on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541 rocket from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. NASA’s Launch Services Program (LSP), based at Kennedy Space Center, is managing the launch. Meet one of the key members of the LSP team:
Name: Anna Vastola
What is your official title? Launch Services Program Deputy Chief Engineer
What are your job responsibilities? I work alongside the Launch Services Program Chief Engineer to oversee all engineering aspects related to design, integration, and processing of flight hardware for LSP-managed missions. I evaluate all contributions from the technical team related to the launch vehicle systems with goal of ensuring safe and reliable flights. We dedicate years to our missions to make sure they are successfully and safely delivered. Reading about the discoveries made and knowing that I’ve played a role, albeit small, in making that happen gives me a great sense of accomplishment.
What is your role on GOES-T, and how will your efforts contribute to its success? I will be the LSP Mission Chief Engineer for GOES-T, which includes directing the integrated LSP and engineering team on mission activities and technical assessments related to the launch. During launch day, I will advise on the launch vehicle’s status and provide the NASA Engineering “go/no-go” status during the countdown to the NASA Launch Manager.
What excites you about this science mission? Every science mission brings on excitement. GOES-T – and the whole GOES-R series missions – provides faster, more accurate data for weather forecasts, which result in timelier alerts that can save lives.
How long have you worked at Kennedy Space Center/NASA? How long for LSP? I have worked for 15 years for the Launch Services Program at Kennedy. One of the greatest rewards for me occurs on the day of launch, after payload separation, taking a minute to look back at how we got there, the outstanding teams involved, the talent, expertise, and knowledge, and I realize just how blessed I am to work with these folks.
What college/university did you attend? I went to the University of Florida as an undergraduate and the University of Central Florida for graduate studies. I attained a bachelor’s degree in material science and engineering at Florida and a master’s degree in industrial engineering/program management at Central Florida.
Where did you grow up, and where do you live now? I grew up in San Valentino Torio, Italy, and I currently live Orlando, Florida.
What do you like to do outside work (hobbies, sports, etc.)? Outside of work, I like to go on walks and hikes.
Provide a fun fact about yourself: After I took a class in astronomy at my high school in Italy, my dream job became working for NASA. I decided I wanted to contribute to expanding our knowledge and understanding of space and its elements.