{"id":352365,"date":"2026-01-20T21:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-20T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/?p=942519"},"modified":"2026-01-20T21:00:00","modified_gmt":"2026-01-20T11:00:00","slug":"jaclyn-kagey-shapes-humanitys-return-to-the-moon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/?p=352365","title":{"rendered":"Jaclyn Kagey Shapes Humanity\u2019s Return to the Moon\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"
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4 Min Read<\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJaclyn Kagey Shapes Humanity\u2019s Return to the Moon\u00a0\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\"Two<\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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Jaclyn Kagey trains in NASA\u2019s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, where astronauts and flight controllers rehearse spacewalk procedures in a simulated microgravity environment.<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tCredits: <\/span>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tNASA<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

For Jaclyn Kagey, helping astronauts put boots on the Moon is part of her daily work. <\/p>\n

As the Artemis III extravehicular activity lead in NASA\u2019s Flight Operations Directorate, Kagey plays a central role in preparing astronauts for humanity\u2019s return to the lunar surface.  <\/p>\n

She helps define how astronauts will work on the Moon, from planning detailed spacewalk timelines to guiding real-time operations. Crews will conduct these activities after stepping outside NASA’s human landing system<\/a>, a commercial lander designed to safely transport astronauts from lunar orbit to the surface and back during Artemis missions. <\/p>\n

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\"A<\/a><\/figure>
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Official portrait of Jaclyn Kagey. <\/div>\n
NASA\/Robert Markowitz<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

As NASA prepares to return humans to the lunar surface for the first time in more than 50 years, Kagey\u2019s work is helping shape how Artemis missions will unfold. Astronauts will explore the Moon\u2019s south polar region, an area never visited by humans, and the Artemis III mission will serve as the proving ground for future lunar exploration.  <\/p>\n

Kagey\u2019s career at NASA spans more than 25 years and includes work across some of the agency\u2019s most complex human spaceflight programs. While studying at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, she watched space shuttle launches that solidified her goal of working in human spaceflight. That goal became reality through United Space Alliance, where she and her husband began their careers as contractors. <\/p>\n

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\"A<\/a><\/figure>
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Jaclyn Kagey works in the Mission Control Center during a spacewalk simulation at NASA\u2019s Johnson Space Center in Houston.<\/div>\n
NASA\/Robert Markowitz<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

One of Kagey\u2019s career-defining moments came during a high-pressure operation aboard the International Space Station. <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve planned and executed seven spacewalks, but one that stands out was U.S. EVA 21,\u201d she said. \u201cWe had a critical ammonia leak on the station, and from the time the issue was identified, we had just 36 hours to plan, prepare the spacesuits, and execute the repair.\u201d <\/p>\n

The team successfully completed the spacewalk and restored the system. \u201cThe agility, dedication, and teamwork shown during that operation were remarkable,\u201d Kagey said. \u201cIt demonstrated what this team can accomplish under pressure.\u201d <\/p>\n

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\"Two<\/a><\/figure>
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Jaclyn Kagey trains in NASA\u2019s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, where astronauts and flight controllers rehearse spacewalk procedures in a simulated microgravity environment.<\/div>\n
NASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Throughout her career, Kagey has learned that adaptability is essential in human spaceflight. <\/p>\n

\u201cYou have to be flexible,\u201d she said. \u201cThings rarely go exactly as planned, and your job is to respond in a way that keeps the crew safe and the mission moving forward.\u201d <\/p>\n

She has also learned the importance of balance. \u201cThere are times when the mission requires everything you have,\u201d she said. \u201cAnd there are times when you have to step back. Learning when to do each is critical.\u201d <\/p>\n

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\"A<\/a><\/figure>
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Jaclyn Kagey suited up in Axiom Space\u2019s Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) spacesuit during a test on the Active Response Gravity Offload System (ARGOS) at Johnson\u2019s Space Vehicle Mockup Facility. <\/div>\n
Axiom Space<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Kagey\u2019s influence also extends to the future of spacesuit development. Standing on the shorter end of the height spectrum, she once could not complete a full test in the legacy Extravehicular Mobility Unit despite passing the fit check. Although Kagey could don the suit, its proportions were too large for her and made it difficult to move as needed for the test. That experience drove her to advocate for designs that better support a wider range of body types.  <\/p>\n

That effort came full circle when she recently completed her first test in Axiom Space\u2019s lunar spacesuit, called the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU), on the Active Response Gravity Offload System at Johnson Space Center. <\/p>\n

\u201cIt’s exciting to literally fit into the future of spacewalks!\u201d Kagey said. <\/p>\n

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\"A<\/a><\/figure>
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Jaclyn Kagey conducts lunar surface operations training in the Rock Yard at Johnson Space Center, where teams test tools and procedures for future Artemis missions. <\/div>\n
NASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

As momentum builds around Artemis, Kagey remains focused on the responsibility that comes with advancing human space exploration.  <\/p>\n

\u201cMy mission is to shape this historic endeavor by working closely with scientists and industry partners to define lunar surface activities,\u201d Kagey said. \u201cWe are setting the standard for humanity\u2019s return to the Moon.\u201d <\/p>\n

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