Q&A with Gateway: Meet Miriam Sargusingh, Gateway Environmental Controls and Life Support Subsystem Manager
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 future missions to Mars. As subsystem manager for Gateway Environmental Controls and Life Support (ECLS) for the Vehicle Systems Integration Office, Johnson Space Center-based Miriam Sargusingh ensures that the Gateway ECLS subsystem will support the crew and other Gateway mission objectives throughout its life. Sargusingh is responsible for developing requirements for module ECLS functionality and performance, managing interfaces between modules and other programs like Orion and the Human Landing System, providing subject-matter expertise for system design and verification, and performing integrated performance analysis and verification.
Keep reading to learn more about Miriam Sargusingh, and don’t forget to follow Gateway on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news, milestones, and activities!
What does your office do for the Gateway program?
The Gateway Vehicle Systems Integration Office supports the development and integration of the various systems necessary to meet Gateway’s mission objectives. This includes managing requirements and understanding cost, schedule, and technical risks to meeting the Gateway objectives; leading cross-project, cross-agency, and cross-program negotiations; and overseeing the design, development, and verification of the systems delivered by the module and providers.
What are you most excited to share about Gateway and what it will do for human exploration as part of the Artemis program?
I am excited about Gateway’s role as a common platform for human exploration back to the surface of the Moon, on to Mars and beyond. Other than serving as an aggregation point for crew and transit assets, we will also be able to outfit future deep space exploration vehicles and perform on-orbit checkouts to maximize the safety of crew on these new missions.
How has your personal background influenced your work in the Gateway program?
My background includes work with extravehicular activity systems for both the International Space Station and Constellation, which gave me an understanding and strong appreciation for designing with crew health and performance in mind. I also worked ECLS systems engineering and integration and system technology development under the Advanced Exploration Systems ECLS Subsystem Project. This gave me an appreciation for all technologies being developed that might be applied to the Gateway or potentially be demonstrated on the Gateway.
What has been your favorite memory while working at NASA?
I have many fond memories of my work at NASA. My favorite may be the development of a proposal and prototype for a new water-recovery system called the Cascade Distillation System. During this time, we were able to work with an original technology developer, as well as advanced exploration teams working on cutting-edge avionics and software technologies to develop. With a small team, we updated a functioning ground unit and a prototype for an orbit demonstrator. I really appreciated being surrounded by brilliant engineers and technicians working together to make this happen.
Being surrounded by such a high-performing group of people, what’s a great piece of advice you’ve learned?
It can be intimidating working amongst very intelligent, high-performing people. Find the confidence in knowing that you are counted among this group of people, but retain a high degree of humility so that you never stop appreciating those around you and learning.
In line with JSC’s DARE | UNITE | EXPLORE, how do you see yourself fitting into the vision?
I have been in love with the notion of space exploration since I was little girl. I love reaching further to do things a little differently. One thing that the Gateway program has taught me, especially regarding international partnerships, is the concept of unity. Great things are possible when everyone brings their little piece to the table.
More about Miriam:
Where did you grow up?
I grew up on the east coast in Miami, Florida, until I was 10 years old, then moved to New York City and then Hartford, Connecticut.
If you could temporarily live (or visit) in another part of the world, where would that be?
I would say Puerto Rico.
How long have you been at JSC?
I’ve been at Johnson for 16 years.
Describe yourself in five words:
Determined, blessed, and child of God.
Favorite thing(s) to do to unwind:
I enjoy binging TV shows, crocheting, and playing with my puppies.
How has the pandemic shaped your work style?
I work from home — and love it! With team members across both Johnson and Marshall Space Flight Center, remote work has allowed us to become a more united team. The same goes for our close stakeholders across the United States, Europe, and Japan.
Name one thing we would be surprised to learn about you.
I spent a year in high school participating in a performing arts program, where I majored in acting.
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
