Photo credit: www.nasa.gov
Caroline Cawthon: Pioneering America’s Future in Low Earth Orbit
Since becoming part of NASA in 2017 as a contractor for the International Space Station, Caroline Cawthon has undertaken various roles, contributing significantly to real-time operations as a certified flight controller, team leader, and lead systems engineer.
Caroline Cawthon
CLDP Engineering and Integration Lead
Cawthon currently serves as the systems engineering and integration lead for NASA’s Commercial Low Earth Orbit Development Program, where she acts as the engineering technical authority. In this capacity, she collaborates closely with the program’s chief engineer office, focusing on the oversight of partner requirements and processes as part of a structured two-phase initiative aimed at fostering the development of commercial space stations.
Raised in communities deeply intertwined with the military and NASA, Cawthon’s fascination with aviation and space exploration began in childhood. Her aspirations centered around becoming a fighter pilot and an engineer. A pivotal moment occurred during a visit to Space Camp at the Euro Space Center in Belgium, where she first met an astronaut. This experience intensified her enthusiasm for human spaceflight and solidified her resolve to work at NASA, aiming to make a meaningful contribution to space exploration history. She holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical and materials engineering, complemented by a master’s degree in aeronautics and space systems.
Cawthon emphasizes that one of the most rewarding aspects of her role is the collaborative spirit of her team. She believes that the collective efforts of her passionate and mission-focused colleagues are vital for the advancements in human spaceflight. “Between the program, engineering team, and our industry partners, there are thousands of years of experience with human spaceflight that I get to leverage every day to learn and grow in my role and to help NASA accomplish our mission,” Cawthon noted.
A recent highlight of her team’s collaborative efforts was the successful development of the program’s technical standards design evaluation document. Cawthon expressed pride in how the contributions of the entire team merged into a cohesive final product.
Throughout her tenure at NASA, Cawthon has embraced a philosophy of continuous learning, recognizing the immense value in remaining curious both personally and professionally. “NASA is one of the largest and most impressive networks of engineering, science, and space program expertise in the world. To not leverage that experience in mentorship would be a waste,” she stated.
In her personal life, Cawthon enjoys outdoor activities with her husband and daughter. The family relishes exploring new destinations, engaging with different cultures during international travels, and embarking on smaller weekend excursions to local attractions such as zoos and aquariums.
Learn more about NASA’s Commercial Low Earth Orbit Development Program at:
Source
www.nasa.gov