Jon Olansen

I am the manager of the crew module and separation ring (CSR) project as part of Orion’s Ascent Abort-2 (AA-2) flight test. We’re designing, building and outfitting the crew module with the components that will both execute the abort as well as control the launch abort system during the launch from Cape Canaveral in April of 2019. We will also provide the separation ring that serves as the interface between the crew module and the abort test booster, and the ground support equipment needed to power the vehicle in Florida. In addition to this design, development and integration, our team will also serve as the ground control team in Florida for the flight test itself when it’s launched from the Cape.

Throughout my time at NASA, I have been fortunate to work with individuals across not only JSC, but nearly all other NASA centers as well. What stands out to me most is that while we all have different perspectives, most everyone across the agency comes to work determined to help achieve and advance agency goals. As employees, if we can embrace that perspective—if we can initially assume good intent, even with differing opinions on how we might proceed—we can more productively work our way through a lot of the issues that we all encounter throughout our careers.

Through flight projects like the AA-2 CSR and Morpheus before that, we are able to generate a tremendous team construct capable of hands-on development of complex spacecraft. That team structure is not dependent on any one individual, but is a culture and a mindset that withstands people coming and going, and will be available for the next challenge after the AA-2 mission is complete.