Ever wondered what it takes to ensure astronauts are ready for spacewalks? Meet Alyssa Yockey, the Flight Lead at NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL), who plays a pivotal role in preparing astronauts for the challenges of space. But here’s where it gets fascinating: Yockey doesn’t just oversee operations—she also dives into the world’s largest indoor pool as a safety diver, ensuring astronauts’ training goes smoothly. And this is the part most people miss: her journey to NASA wasn’t through traditional engineering; it was a unique blend of marine biology, scuba diving, and a passion for problem-solving.
Based at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, the NBL is a colossal pool where astronauts and teams simulate spacewalks and conduct large-scale operations. Yockey’s role is multifaceted: she guides teams through integration efforts, ensures all requirements are met during test readiness reviews, and helps prepare for suited testing events. Her work ensures every mission-focused activity runs seamlessly. But what makes her perspective truly unique? She’s one of the few who experiences both the planning and execution sides of NBL operations, thanks to her role as a safety diver.
From Friendswood, Texas, to NASA: Yockey’s path was anything but conventional. Growing up near NASA, she was surrounded by space exploration but chose marine biology over engineering. Her master’s degree in marine biology equipped her with research skills and a knack for tackling challenges in extreme environments. Offshore water survival training and scuba diving certifications further honed her abilities, ultimately leading her to NASA. Here’s the controversial part: while many assume a STEM degree is the only route to NASA, Yockey’s story proves that diverse backgrounds—like marine biology—can be just as valuable.
When explaining her job, Yockey simplifies it: “I make sure ‘astronaut pool days’ go smoothly.” She manages paperwork, prepares checklists, and ensures everything is ready before astronauts suit up and dive in. Occasionally, she even jumps in herself as a safety diver—essentially an underwater lifeguard for astronauts. But here’s the kicker: her role isn’t just about logistics; it’s about enabling groundbreaking space exploration.
Advice for aspiring space professionals? Yockey emphasizes curiosity, resilience, and continuous learning. She encourages internships, research opportunities, and mentorships, stressing that there’s no single path into the industry. Whether you’re in engineering, science, business, or even the arts, your unique perspective can contribute to space exploration. Controversial question: Could the arts, often overlooked, play a bigger role in shaping the future of space missions than we realize?
Yockey draws inspiration not from a single individual but from the collective effort behind space exploration. She’s motivated by how diverse disciplines unite under pressure to achieve a common goal. Her favorite NASA memory? Witnessing the development and execution of the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) spacewalks—a multi-year collaboration that showcased teamwork and problem-solving at its finest.
What does the International Space Station (ISS) truly mean for Earth? Yockey highlights its role as a unique laboratory driving innovation. From medical breakthroughs to clean water technology and international cooperation, the ISS solves real-world problems. But here’s a thought-provoking question: As we celebrate 25 years of continuous human presence in space, are we fully leveraging the ISS’s potential to address global challenges?
Looking ahead, Yockey admires Karen Nyberg, not just for her technical achievements but for blending creativity with her work in space. As a quilter herself, Yockey appreciates Nyberg’s ability to balance technical and artistic pursuits. And this is the part most people miss: space exploration isn’t just about science—it’s about humanity’s creativity and spirit.
Outside of work, Yockey enjoys hiking, camping, and quilting. Each quilt, she says, tells a story—much like her career at NASA. Final thought: As we reflect on NASA’s milestones and the future of space exploration, what role do you think creativity and diverse perspectives will play? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation!