Q&A with Gateway: Meet Kate Chen, Resource Management Office Analyst in the Program, Planning, and Control Office

The Gateway, a multipurpose outpost orbiting the Moon and vital part of NASA’s Artemis program, is built with sound engineering and operational principles that will serve as a staging point for deep space exploration and model for future missions to Mars. As a resource management office analyst in the Program, Planning and Control Office, Chen is responsible for budget formulation and execution for Gateway, including monthly and quarterly reporting and program, planning, and budget reporting. 

Keep reading to learn more about Kate, and don’t forget to follow the Gateway on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news, milestones, and activities! 

What does your office do for the Gateway program?
The Program, Planning, and Control team is responsible for the planning, organizing, controlling, and reporting of overall Gateway program activities to ensure disciplined performance of work. This includes business management, procurement, contract management, schedule management, cost estimating, configuration management, information technology/data management, security, export control, public affairs, and budget/resources control processes. 

What are you most excited to share about Gateway and what it will do for human exploration as part of the Artemis program?
I’m looking forward to seeing the new technologies that will allow us to explore the lunar surfaces and, ultimately, Mars. 

How has your personal background influenced your work in the Gateway program?
I grew up playing team sports, and I know what it means to work together to accomplish a goal. I believe that playing sports transitions well to NASA and the Gateway program because we are all working toward an end goal. 

What has been your favorite memory while working at NASA?
I have been blessed to have had some really cool experiences while working at NASA, but my favorite has to be seeing multiple space shuttle launches. 

Being surrounded by such a high-performing group of people, what’s a great piece of advice you’ve learned?
Prior to presenting, always try to anticipate questions. If you are asked a question that you do not know the answer, be honest and let folks know that you do not have the answer, but will get back to them as soon as possible with a response.

More about Kate:

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Clear Lake City.

If you could temporarily live (or visit) in another part of the world, where would that be?
I would love to visit Greece. 

How long have you been at JSC?
A little more than 20 years. 

Describe yourself in five words:
Honest, hardworking, family-oriented, adventurous, and helpful. 

Favorite thing(s) to do to unwind:
Going on a run, preferably by the water, is like moving meditation for me. Running just clears my head. I also like to read a good book while enjoying a glass of wine. 

How has the pandemic shaped your work style?
I do not have to get “office ready” every day, and I love it! 

Name one thing we would be surprised to learn about you.
I enjoy trying all different types of food; however, I am probably one of the few people that does not care for bacon. I know! I know! How could I dislike bacon?

At Johnson, we are laser-focused on the next: going forward to our lunar neighbor to build outposts in uncharted territory while revolutionizing the strategies and technologies that will eventually open up the universe. The Gateway is a critical component of the Artemis program and embodies Johnson's DARE | UNITE | EXPLORE vision: We dare to expand frontiers. We unite with our partners to complete bold missions. We explore space to benefit humanity.

DARE | UNITE | EXPLORE