Q&A with Gateway: Meet Tim Fisher, Chief Engineer for the Gateway Program
The Gateway, a critical component of the Artemis program, is built with sound engineering and operational principles that will provide a sustainable, reusable, and reliable outpost for astronauts, as well as a staging point for deep space exploration. As the chief engineer, NASA Johnson Space Center-based Tim Fisher ensures that technical content is accurate and the Gateway functions according to program needs.
Keep reading to learn more about Tim Fisher, below!
What are your primary responsibilities?
I provide the Gateway program with sound technical advice and recommendations while also fulfilling the responsibilities of the engineering technical authority.
What are you excited to share about Gateway and what it will do for human exploration as part of the Artemis program?
Unlike Apollo, the Gateway will still be there between crew visits, conducting science, [and] accumulating needed supplies to be ready to support a vibrant lunar exploration program that teaches us the skills we need for the next step — to Mars.
Being surrounded by such a high-performing group of people, what’s a great piece of advice you’ve learned?
Physics bats last.
In line with JSC’s DARE | UNITE | EXPLORE, how do you see yourself fitting into the vision?
If we are going to create a vibrant space economy and explore new destinations, then we have to come up with game changers in how NASA plays its role, much the same way that aerospace companies have fundamentally changed the game in the private sector. My singular focus is to help guide NASA through the technical and non-technical challenges we face so that we can get to explore deep space and beyond.
Now, more about you. Where did you grow up?
Wichita, Kansas. Kansas may not be a great place to vacation, but it’s an awesome place to grow up.
How long have you been at JSC?
Over 35 years. I started just before the Challenger accident. I have been told that I don’t act my age.
Describe yourself in five words.
Honest, straightforward, helpful, and continually improving.
Favorite thing(s) to do to unwind.
Going to the gun range and enjoying good whiskey, but not at the same time!
How has the pandemic shaped your working style?
I am fortunate that I have a home office. Unfortunately, that makes it really easy to work too much and exercise too little.
Tell us a fun fact about you.
In my spare time, I am also a volunteer firefighter, emergency medical technician, vehicle extrication technician, HazMat operator, and rescue swimmer. I love helping people, and I am driven to making myself as helpful as I can be.
When asked how Fisher’s personal background has influenced his work on the Gateway program, he responded:
“Having worked at NASA through the Challenger and Columbia accidents, I have a profound respect for the consequences of failure. My experience as a firefighter gives me a greater appreciation for contingencies and operating in challenging environments.”
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
