Faces of SLS: Greg Byrd

Watching one rocket engine test at Stennis was all it took to convince me that this is where I belong, and I’ve been lucky enough to be a team member of some of the most amazing programs to date. It’s a great feeling to assemble a new rocket engine and watch it successfully test fire for the first time.

Today, I oversee all of the integration and implementation activities for SLS RS-25 engine assembly and testing here at Stennis. While I don’t work around the engines as much as I did in previous positions, it’s still great to walk into the engine assembly room or test stand whenever I can to get back in touch with what we do here at Stennis. One of the high points of my career was as a space shuttle main engine test conductor knowing that after many, many hours of careful preparation — with a single click of a mouse — I was starting one of the most powerful rocket engines in the world.

It was my dream to be working on the space program when we put another American on the moon or Mars. Since SLS will likely be the final program of my aerospace career, I feel it is the ultimate way to ride off into the sunset. The RS-25 engine has its space shuttle main engine heritage, and I still get the same overpowering feeling whenever I see its smoke and fire. I can’t wait to see all four engines light up during core stage testing, and then ultimately, the SLS launch.

I live in Slidell, Louisiana, and earned a degree in mechanical engineering from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. Geaux, Tigers! I enjoy boating, fishing, motorcycling, kayaking and playing on a beach volleyball league. Our volleyball team is older in age than most other teams in the league, but we hold our own most of the time.

My advice to students and those entering the career world is to work hard and be proud of what you are accomplishing for our country. I know I did, and I am.