Photo credit: www.nasa.gov
Nick Kopp serves as the flight lead in the Transportation Integration Office at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. He is currently at the forefront of NASA’s preparations for the agency’s 32nd SpaceX commercial resupply mission. In this role, Kopp collaborates directly with SpaceX and partners across NASA to ensure the effective delivery and return of cargo to the International Space Station (ISS).
Discover more about Nick Kopp’s journey within NASA and his insights into the space industry!
Nick Kopp
Transportation Integration Office Flight Lead
Where is your hometown?
I hail from Cleveland, Ohio.
Can you explain your role at NASA?
I’m tasked with ensuring the Dragon cargo spacecraft fulfills NASA’s specifications to rendezvous with the space station. My position involves working closely with SpaceX and various collaborators who manage the safe transportation of scientific experiments and other cargo to and from the ISS. For our next mission, I’ve dedicated significant time to preparing for the recovery of the Dragon spacecraft off California’s coast.
How would you depict your job to those unfamiliar with NASA?
I’m basically responsible for facilitating the safe transport of materials to and from the ISS.
How long have you been with NASA?
I have been part of NASA for approximately 15 years, working at both the Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama and the Johnson Space Center in Texas.
What advice would you give to young individuals looking to enter the space sector or NASA?
A successful mission requires diverse teams with a range of skills. I recommend researching NASA’s website to identify the skills or areas that spark your interest and focusing on developing those. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals and networking within the industry can also be incredibly beneficial.
What led you to NASA?
My fascination with NASA began in childhood when my grandfather introduced me to the Moon through a telescope he built. I pursued aerospace engineering at the University of Illinois, where I became involved with Students for the Exploration and Development of Space. A visit to NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center made a lasting impression on me, and I later secured a contractor position working alongside astronauts on the ISS.
Has anyone in the space or science community inspired you in your career?
Working with NASA astronaut and Flight Director TJ Creamer has been particularly motivational for me. His leadership style, professionalism, and interpersonal skills have left a significant impact on my approach to leadership and teamwork.
Do you have a cherished memory from your time at NASA?
One of my most treasured moments was when I was appointed as a payload operations director at the ISS Payload Operations and Integration Center. After a decade of preparation for this role, executing minute-to-minute operations for astronauts was a rewarding experience that remains vividly etched in my memory.
What aspects of the ISS mission do you find crucial to communicate to the public?
It’s essential to underscore that the research conducted on the ISS ultimately benefits life on Earth. The significant investment in maintaining the ISS and conducting scientific studies enhances our knowledge of the universe and contributes to advances that improve everyday life. The unique conditions of microgravity allow for innovative experiments that have led to life-altering developments for many people globally.
If you could dine with any astronaut, who would it be?
I would choose a member of the Apollo 13 crew to gain insights into how their experiences shaped NASA’s culture and resilience during crisis.
Do you have a standout moment related to space exploration?
During a night shift in Huntsville, Alabama, my team and I witnessed the re-entry of the Dragon spacecraft. Stepping outside the control center to see it streaking across the clear night sky, illuminating it with a brilliant trail, was an unforgettable experience.
What notable projects have you undertaken at NASA that hold a special place for you?
Some significant projects include:
- Acting as the flight lead for NASA’s SpaceX Crew-8 mission.
- Troubleshooting scientific experiments on the ISS.
- Creating guidelines for astronauts working on a virtual reality documentary.
- Evaluating design modifications for the Space Launch System’s core stage.
- Training and leading a team of flight controllers.
- Assisting in the logistics of Dragon spacecraft returns from Florida to California.
What hobbies do you enjoy outside of your work at NASA?
I enjoy playing board games with my wife, sailing, flying, traveling, and studying leadership and project management theories.
Do you prefer daytime or nighttime launches?
Definitely the Crew-8 night launch, especially when the Falcon 9 booster touched down almost directly above me!
What’s your favorite space-themed movie?
Spaceballs.
Which NASA logo do you prefer: the “worm” or the “meatball”?
I have a fondness for the meatball logo.
Every day, groundbreaking research is conducted aboard the ISS that supports not only space exploration but also delivers invaluable benefits back to people on Earth. Stay updated with the latest in station research through the weekly email newsletter, which provides insights directly from NASA. Follow the latest developments on @ISS_Research on Twitter, and see updates from the space station on Facebook and Instagram.
Source
www.nasa.gov