YMLA Students Reach for the Stars with NASA Visit
Gus Garcia YMLA students had an extraordinary opportunity to learn directly from a Chris Kennedy, NASA Test Director at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Visiting during the excitement of the F1 Grand Prix, our guest speaker shared insights from his work with Exploration Ground Systems, the team responsible for assembling, testing, launching, and recovering the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft for NASA’s historic Artemis missions.
During his visit, students learned about the critical role of test management in space exploration. He explained how his team controls testing during assembly and launch from the Launch Contr
ol Center, ensuring that every system is ready for mission success. He also highlighted the work of NASA’s recovery team, responsible for safely returning astronauts and the Orion spacecraft to Kennedy after landing.
Our students were captivated as he shared details about the upcoming Artemis II mission, scheduled for early 2026, which will mark the first time humans will fly around the moon since 1972. Looking ahead to Artemis III in 2027, he described NASA’s plans for the first lunar landing in the moon’s polar region—a historic milestone that will make space history.
This visit provided a rare and inspiring opportunity for our students to see science, engineering, and exploration in action. From understanding complex testing procedures to learning about astronaut recovery operations, students gained a new appreciation for the meticulous work and teamwork required to make space missions possible.
Experiences like this continue to ignite curiosity and passion in our students, encouraging them to dream big and pursue careers in STEM fields. YMLA is proud to provide unique opportunities like this, bringing the wonders of space exploration to life right here in our classrooms.