Q&A with Gateway: Meet Wendy Babb, Office Manager for the HALO Project 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 office manager for the Habitation and Logistics Outpost (HALO) Project Office for the Gateway program, Johnson Space Center-based Wendy Babb is responsible for ensuring information and positive solutions are well integrated within the workplace environment. In addition to working with all office team members, Babb also interfaces with outside partners to ensure communication is widely distributed.
Keep reading to learn more about Wendy Babb!
What does your office do for the Gateway program?
Our office is responsible for developing the HALO module, which will provide basic life-support needs for the astronauts as they prepare for their trip down to surface of the Moon. In addition, our office is responsible for developing the vehicle system manager, an autonomous flight software.
What are you most excited to share about Gateway and what it will do for human exploration as part of the Artemis program?
Human exploration in space is so vital to our existence. I feel that being a part of this endeavor, from the beginning, is humbling and inspiring. Gateway is the platform for future deep space exploration and the launch pad for a whole new generation to have opportunities and challenges that we have yet to imagine. This makes me very excited to be a part of the Artemis program.
How has your personal background influenced your work in the Gateway program?
Since joining NASA in 2004, I have had the opportunity to work for orbital space plane, return to flight for the space shuttle, and the Constellation Program, where I analyzed risks. I then worked risks and office management on the Orion program, and now serve as office manager for the Gateway program.
Every program brings their own sets of challenges, and you learn more with each team that you join. In working risks, you learn that you must have a broader view of a problem to work through a solution. Working in office management is similar — it’s that broader view that allows you to help find solutions.
What has been your favorite memory while working at NASA?
Having the opportunity to work with Charlie Lundquist, former deputy program manager for the Orion program, early on in my career and for over a decade has given me the good fortune to learn from and befriend one of the smartest and kindest men I will ever meet.
Being surrounded by such a high-performing group of people, what’s a great piece of advice you’ve learned?
Just because you don’t feel that you can, doesn’t mean you can’t. There are always people that are willing to help you if you ask.
In line with JSC’s DARE | UNITE | EXPLORE, how do you see yourself fitting into the vision?
Uniting people is my main function, both personally and professionally. When working virtually, it is important to keep our team members as interconnected as possible. Making sure that our information is disseminated properly, and in a timely manner, is critical to a seamless workflow, and I continue to strive to meet that challenge every day.
More about Babb:
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Pasadena, Texas (but I am well-travelled).
If you could temporarily live (or visit) in another part of the world, where would that be?
I was an exchange student in Australia, and I’ve wanted to return ever since.
How long have you been at JSC?
I’ve been at Johnson for 17 years.
Describe yourself in five words:
Helpful, silly, dedicated, kind, and fun.
Favorite thing(s) to do to unwind:
I enjoy spending time with my dog Prudence and husband Gary. I also sing unabashedly in my convertible car.
How has the pandemic shaped your work style?
Working from home has found me working later hours, but it has also allowed me to take smaller breaks during the day to step outside and just breathe. I almost never went outside while I was at the office. My dog is my timer and tells me when to get up, and that little nudge on my arm is the bright spot during a busy day.
Name one thing we would be surprised to learn about you.
I have an extensive collection of rubber ducks from all over the world!
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
