Photo credit: www.nasa.gov
Michael Ciancone: A Legacy of Safety and History at NASA
When Michael Ciancone began his journey at NASA in 1983, he had no way of foreseeing the breadth of his over four-decade career. His work has crucially contributed to preserving the legacy of space exploration while simultaneously enhancing safety standards for future missions.
Ciancone currently holds the position of safety lead for the Orion Program, where he oversees the Office of Safety and Mission Assurance’s initiatives to guarantee the safety of the Orion crew, the spacecraft, and its related systems. He is deeply involved in conducting safety reviews for all flight hardware, currently concentrating his efforts on the Artemis II mission. His accomplishments are built on years of experience and collaboration in the vital areas of human spaceflight safety and historical preservation.
In 1997, Ciancone made a significant career shift by relocating from NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland to the Johnson Space Center in Houston. There, he took on the role of executive officer for the Shuttle/International Space Station Payload Safety Review Panel, as well as leading the Payload Safety group. To broaden his understanding of his responsibilities, Ciancone actively sought interactions with fellow safety experts at various conferences. He was encouraged by his manager to organize a safety conference specifically focused on payloads at Johnson, creating a valuable platform for professionals from the international space community.
This initiative led to the establishment of the International Association for the Advancement of Spaceflight Safety (IAASS), co-founded by Ciancone and his colleagues Skip Larsen, Alex Soons, and Tommaso Sgobba from the European Space Agency. The IAASS is dedicated to promoting worldwide cooperation and scientific progress in space system safety. It stands as the leading international conference for spaceflight safety specialists, offering annual gatherings, specialized training sessions, and influential publications on space safety topics.
Ciancone’s career has been marked by significant partnerships across the globe. He highlights the importance of international collaboration in human spaceflight, noting, “In this field, there are varied and equally valid methods for reaching shared objectives. Effective teamwork hinges on understanding and valuing the histories and experiences of our international counterparts.”
Apart from his commitment to safety, Ciancone is equally passionate about the history of space exploration. He chairs the History Committee of the American Astronautical Society and serves on the History Committee of the International Academy of Astronautics. His involvement in these organizations has heightened his appreciation of spaceflight aspirations and informs his everyday work at NASA.
Ciancone’s contributions extend beyond technical achievements; he has also sought innovative ways to strengthen community ties within the spaceflight sector. While at the Glenn Research Center, he co-founded the NASA Hot Pepper Club, a unique gathering for employees interested in growing and enjoying hot peppers and related products. This initiative fostered a sense of community and camaraderie amongst staff, bringing a bit of zest to life at NASA.
His extensive experience in both spaceflight history and safety has fostered a distinct viewpoint that he uses to inspire others. Ciancone encourages his colleagues to pursue new opportunities and challenges, often paraphrasing Albert Einstein: “Learn from the past, live in the moment, and dream of the future.” This philosophy has allowed him to merge his passion for spaceflight history with his work on the Orion Program over the last 15 years, helping to construct what he terms “future history.”
Source
www.nasa.gov