In a demanding atmosphere where every detail matters and precision is key, Sasha Ricks plays a crucial role in keeping the NASA’s Space Operations Mission Directorate on track. As senior executive assistant to the Space Ops associate administrator, Ricks ensures schedules are organized and manages vital information for the directorate, providing crucial elements that help Space Ops leadership remain organized and focused on agency priorities.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to contribute to missions that push the boundaries of human exploration in space,” said Ricks. “I am a part of something amazing, something that many people only dream about.”
Looking ahead, Ricks is excited about the future of space exploration, where she envisions a world where advanced technologies and ambitious missions lead to groundbreaking discoveries in science and research. One mission in particular, Europa Clipper, recently embarked on a 1.8-billion-mile journey to Jupiter, where it will investigate Jupiter’s moon Europa, a moon with an enormous subsurface ocean that may be one of the best places to look for environments where life could exist beyond Earth.
This particular mission ignited Ricks’ passion for space exploration and encouraged her to join NASA.
“I had always followed various launches, and space and NASA have always fascinated me. At my previous job, I was the lead executive assistant at a high school. During after school hours, I helped the seniors research launches and missions. In particular, the Europa Clipper mission fascinated me because Jupiter is a beautiful planet — she’s the largest in our Solar System and her moons are simply breathtaking. I followed what I could about NASA from the outside.”
Two years after planning for this launch began in 2013, Ricks landed her dream job working for the agency.
“I always said I would do all I could to support whatever division or directorate that worked closely with launches,” said Ricks. “Who would have ever thought I would be the senior executive assistant for Space Operations, and contributing to this mission, among many others, is such an honor.”
Outside of work, Ricks is inspired by a mix of personal connections and creative pursuits, such as reading, and staying connected with family. In her spare time, Ricks enjoys shopping and exploring nature, but above all, she values creating lasting memories with her husband and daughter.
NASA’s Space Operations Mission Directorate maintains a continuous human presence in space for the benefit of people on Earth. The programs within the directorate are the hub of NASA’s space exploration efforts, enabling Artemis, commercial space, science, and other agency missions through communication, launch services, research capabilities, and crew support.
To learn more about NASA’s Space Operation Mission Directorate, visit:
