Michelle Lucas
Real Time Planning Engineer
NASA/Barrios Technology

I am a Flight Controller for the International Space Station at NASA's Johnson Space Center. I work in the Operations Planning Group, which is responsible for generating the timelines that govern the crew activity onboard the space station. I have now supported 4 Increments of astronauts: Expeditions 2, 3, 4, and now 5 from the Mission Control Center in Houston. Every day on console is very different from the day before so work is always very exciting. It's amazing to be a part of something that is such a large endeavor for mankind.

Although working with the International Space Station is my primary job function, I am also part of the NASA Undersea Research Team "NEEMO" (NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations). I provide support to this project as a planner and as part of the "Surface Support Team." The similarities between underwater habitation and living in space are astounding to me. I am proud to be a part of such a unique project and am thrilled for the opportunity to learn more about the sea.

I graduated with a B.S. Communications and Space Studies from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) and have a strong background in aerospace engineering. Additionally, I am currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Space Studies at the ERAU extension campus in Houston. Prior to attending ERAU, I was a student at Purdue University for 2 years. At both Purdue and ERAU I had the unique opportunity to participate in a student research program that allowed me to fly my fluid dynamics research project on NASA's KC-135 aircraft. The KC-135 is flown in a parabolic path (think roller coaster!) to create up to 30 second of weightlessness at a time. What an experience! Microgravity is an amazing feeling and I hope that one day I can experience "zero-g" in outer space.

I grew up in Hobart, IN (a suburb of Chicago) and from a young age have always been fascinated by space flight. As young as age five I was proudly proclaiming that I would one day be an astronaut so to now be able to say that I work at NASA is quite the dream come true for me. My hobbies include diving (I am a PADI certified diver), sports (of all kinds as both a participant and spectator), dance, writing, attending the theater, and spoiling my dog. I reside in Houston, TX with my dachshund, Deke (who is named after my space hero, Deke Slayton, of course!)