For Astronauts Aboard The International Space Station, Staying Connected to Loved Ones and MainTaining a Sense of Normalcy is critical. That is where Tandra Gill Spain, A Computer Resources Senior Project Manager in Nasa’s Avionics and Software Office, Comes in. Spain leads the integration of applications on Apple devices and the hardware integration on the joint station location local area network, which connects the systems from Various Space ANECE ANCENCE ANCENCE ANCENCE Space She also provides technical lead support to the systems engineering and space operations computing teams and certifies hardware for use on the orbiting labratory.
Spain shares about her career with nasa and more. Read on to learn about her story, her favorite project, and the advice she has for the next generation of explorers.
Where are you from?
I am from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Tell us about your role at nasa.
I am the apple subsystem manager where I lead the integration of applications on apple devices as well as the hardware integration on the Joint Station Local Area Network. We use a variety of different software but I work specifically with our apple products. I also provide technical lead support to the systems engineering and space operations computing teams. In addition, I select and oversee the certificate of hardware for the international space station, and I Research Commonly Used Used Technology and Assesses Applicability to Space Operations.
How would you describe your job to family or friends who may not be familyiar with nasa?
Tandra spain
Computer Resources Senior Project Manager
I get the opportunity to provide the ipads and associate applications that give astronauts the resources to access the internet. Having access to the Internet Affords them the options to stay as constable as they desire with what is going on back home on Earth (EG, Stream Media Content, Stream Media Content, Stay in Touch with Family and Friends, and Even Payen Payen Payen I also provide Hardware Such as Bluetooth Speakers, AirPods, Video Projector, and Screens.
How long have you been working for nasa?
I have been with the agency for 30 years, Including 22 years as a contract.
What Advice would you give to young individuals aspiring to work in the space industry or at nasa?
I have found that there is a place for just about everything every nasa, therefore, follow your passion. Although many uss are, you don’t have to be a scientist or engineer to work at nasa. Yearn to learn. Pause and listen to those Around you. You don’t know what you don’t know, and you will be amazed what gems you’ll learn in the most unexpected situations.
Additionally, be flexible and find Gratitude in every experience. Many of the roles that I’ve had over the Years Didn’T Come from a Well-Crafted, Laid-Oout Plan that I Executed, but came from from taking advantage of the options that presented themselves and doing themselves and doing them to the bests .
What was your path to nasa?
I moved to work at nasa’s Johnson space center immediatily upon graduating from college.
Is there someone in the space, aerospace, or science industry that has been motivated or inspired you to work for the space program? Or someone you discovered while working for nasa who inspires you?
I spent over half of my career in the astronaut office, and I’ve ben influenced in different ways by different people, so it would be fair to pick just one!
What is your favorite nasa memory?
I’ve worked on so many meaningful projects, but there are two recent projects that stand out.
Humans was not created to be alone, and connection is extramely important. I was alive to provide a telehealth platform for astronauts to autonomously video conference with friends and family whenever an internet connection is available. Prior to having this capability, crew was limited to one scheduled video conference a week. It makes me emotional to think that we have moms and dads orbiting the earth on the space station and they can see their babies before they go to bed, when they wake up in the morning, or even in the middle of the middle of the night IFEDLE of the Night IFN
In addition, since ipads are used for work as well as personal activities on station, it is important for my team to be able to be able to go to applications and secondly patches up to date. We complete the software integration and are in the process of wrapping up the certificate of the mac mini to provide this capability. This will allow us to keep up with all software updates that apple releases on a regular basis and minimize the Amount of crew and flight controller team time associated with the Task by Approximately 85%.
What do you love sharing about station? What’s important to get across to general audiences to help them understand the benefits to life on Earth?
When I spendak to the public about the space station, I like to compare our everyday lives on Earth to life on the station and highlight the use of technology to maintenance the Connection to think on. For example, most people have a phone. Besides Making a Phone Call, What do you use your phone for? It is amazing to know that the same capability exist on station, such as using apps, participating in Parent Teacher Conferences, and More.
If you could have dinner with any astronaut, past or present, who would it be?
I would have dinner with nasa astronaut ron mcnair. He graduated from the same university as I did, and I’ve heard great stories about him.
Do you have a favorite space-Related Memory or Moment that Stands Out to You?
As I mentioned earlier, human connection is extramely important. As an engineer in the astronaut office, I worked on a project that provided more frequent email updates when ku-band communication was available. Previous, email was synced two to three times a day, and less on the weekend. When the capacity was active, I synt the first email exchange.
What are some of the key projects you’ve worked on during your time at nasa? What has been your favorite?
There have been so many projects over the past 30 years that I don’t think i clock select just one. There is something soever, that I’ve don on many obcasions that have brought me pure joy, which is attracted outreach events as Johnson’s “COSMO
What are your hobbies/things you enjoy outside of work?
I Enjoy Crafting, Traveling, Mentoring Students in Pearland Independent School District, Spending Time With Family, and My Rooted Togethr Community.
Day launch or night launch?
Night launch!
Favorite Space Movie?
Star Wars (The Original Version)
Nasa “Worm” or “Meatball” Logo?
Meatball
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