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Inside the HARP-2 Instrument: An Engineer’s Perspective

Flight operations engineer Carissa Arillo has played a vital role in the successful prelaunch testing of an instrument for NASA’s upcoming Phytoplankton, Aerosol, Cloud, and Ecosystem (PACE) mission. Her contributions encompass not only the technical aspects of the mission but also the creation of detailed documentation to support the ongoing health of the Earth-observing satellite throughout its operational lifespan.

Name: Carissa M. Arillo
Formal Job Classification: Flight Operations Engineer
Organization: Environmental Test Engineering and Integration Branch (Code 549)

Role and Responsibilities

Arillo’s primary responsibility has been to develop pre-launch test procedures for the HARP-2 instrument. This innovative technology acts as a wide-angle imaging polarimeter, meticulously measuring aerosol particles, cloud structures, and land and water surface properties.

In her role, Arillo also formulated the flight operations routine and contingency protocols essential for the spacecraft’s post-launch operations. The process requires a forward-thinking approach, focusing on creating sustainable procedures that ensure a smooth transition for the flight operations team responsible for maintaining the instrument in space.

Educational Background

Carissa earned her Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park, in 2019. She is currently advancing her studies by pursuing a master’s degree in robotics, further enhancing her expertise in the field.

Path to NASA

After completing her undergraduate education, Arillo gained practical experience in operations management at General Electric Aviation, where she was involved in manufacturing processes for aircraft engines. Her passion for space exploration led her to apply for a position at NASA Goddard, where she currently thrives as a flight operations engineer.

Development of the HARP-2 Testing Procedures

The creation of pre-launch test procedures for HARP-2 involved extensive collaboration with a university team from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Through ongoing communication, Arillo ensured that the necessary testing requirements were met. The rigorous testing included various environmental challenges—vibration, temperature extremes, acoustic pressure, and radio frequency compatibility—critical for validating the instrument’s functionality prior to launch.

Creating Flight Operations Procedures

In developing flight operations procedures, Arillo prioritizes safety and effectiveness, aiming to fulfill the scientific objectives set by the mission team. Given that real-time monitoring is limited, she crafts protocols that allow for effective recovery from anomalies through historical data analysis and contingency planning.

The final output of her efforts is a comprehensive manual that serves as an operational guide, mirroring the owner’s manual concept seen in the automotive industry.

Role in the Mission Operations Center

As part of the flight operations team, Arillo contributes to managing the Mission Operations Center (MOC) for the PACE mission. While her specialty lies with the HARP-2 instrument, her responsibilities extend to supporting the overall mission operations, including automating ground station communications worldwide. This automation facilitates the vital command and control functions during brief contact windows with the spacecraft.

Reflections on Her Career

Carissa expresses a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to work on such a groundbreaking mission early in her career. She acknowledges the challenges that come with new experiences but values the mentoring she receives from seasoned colleagues and the knowledge gained through her academic pursuits.

Her learning is augmented by insights from both the flight operations and integration and test teams, as they provide specialized knowledge critical for the mission’s success. She is appreciative of her team’s support as she navigates her responsibilities in the prelaunch, launch, and post-launch phases.

Influences and Interests

While Arillo may not have a single engineering hero, she finds inspiration in biographical films that celebrate influential figures in science, such as the film “Hidden Figures,” which highlights the contributions of African-American women at NASA.

Outside of work, Arillo enjoys spending time at the beach and cherishes moments with family and friends. She also admires the storytelling prowess of author Kristen Hannah.

Looking Ahead

In five years, Carissa hopes to continue her journey at NASA, contributing to another exciting mission that promises to uncover unprecedented scientific discoveries.

Conversations With Goddard is a series of Q&A profiles that showcase the diverse talents within NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. Published regularly since May 2011, these profiles highlight the incredible work being done by the center’s workforce. Past editions can be found on the Goddard “Our People” webpage.

Source
www.nasa.gov