Q&A with Gateway: Meet John Raines, Gateway Spacewalk Lead for the Extravehicular Activity Integration and Operations 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 the spacewalk lead for the Extravehicular Activity Integration and Operations Office for the Gateway program, NASA Johnson Space Center-based John Raines serves on multiple Gateway forums to assess needs for spacewalks and implementation and guide in the resolution of issues impacting spacewalk capability. Spacewalks, or extravehicular activities, were crucial to the assembly of the International Space Station (ISS), and they remain vital to the continued maintenance of the laboratory. These excursions, too, will be conducted at the Gateway one day. Raines also performs integration of spacewalk requirements across all Gateway elements and programs.   

Keep reading to learn more about John Raines, 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 Extravehicular Activity Integration and Operations Office ensures the requirements are in place and levied on the appropriate elements to support spacewalks on Gateway, whether they be planned or contingency spacewalks that arise due to Gateway hardware issues. 

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 the role that Gateway will play in not only returning to the Moon, but also as a proving ground for technologies to support exploration beyond the Moon. 

How has your personal background influenced your work in the Gateway program?
My background has varied, but all within extravehicular activity. My time at Johnson provided me with a variety of experiences that allows me to integrate across various providers and forums for the Gateway program. 

What has been your favorite memory while working at NASA?
As an extravehicular activity task in the Flight Operations Directorate, one favorite memory is being tasked to write the procedures for, train the crew on orbit, and execute the first U.S. spacewalk on the ISS. Personally, a favorite memory is when my son went to work for a contractor at Johnson and I had the opportunity to show him around. 

Being surrounded by such a high-performing group of people, what’s a great piece of advice you’ve learned?
A piece of advice I’ve learned is simply speak up. If you have a question, concern, or something to contribute, share it. You never know when your perspective may shed light on a problem that may not have been considered.

In line with JSC’s DARE | UNITE | EXPLORE, how do you see yourself fitting into the vision?
I see my role as an integrator spanning all three points. However, specifically, I see my role most closely aligning with the Unite aspect of the vision, in that I need to unite across various organizations and partners to carry out the mission of exploration via spacewalks. 

More about John: 

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Timpson, a small east Texas town with a population of 1,100. 

If you could temporarily live (or visit) in another part of the world, where would that be?
If I could temporarily live anywhere of my choosing, I would like to live in a remote part of either Wyoming or Montana to be immersed in the wilderness. I enjoy vistas where the influence of humankind is not seen. 

How long have you been at JSC?
In total, I have been at Johnson for 17 years; I did take a hiatus from Johnson and was in full-time ministry for seven years. 

Describe yourself in five words:
I don’t like describing myself, but here a few words from my family: temperate, reliable, sacrificing, compassionate, and protective.  

Favorite thing(s) to do to unwind:
I enjoy spending time with family, helping others, visiting state and national parks, and reading. 

How has the pandemic shaped your work style?
As an integrator, I have had to rely on means of communication other than direct face to face. However, this has allowed me to grow in areas that I otherwise might not have. It has also allowed me to spend more time at home with my family.   

Name one thing we would be surprised to learn about you.
Before coming to work at Johnson, I coached high school football and baseball.

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