From the Mission Control Center to neighborhood events, Kenneth Attocknie mixes security competence with a dedication to cultural connection.
For the previous 25 years at NASA, Attocknie has actually devoted his profession to securing the International Space Station and supporting real-time objective operations at Johnson Space Center in Houston.
As a primary security engineer in the Safety and Mission Assurance Directorate, Attocknie guarantees the safe operation of the spaceport station's environmental protection and life support group. This system is important for keeping the life-sustaining environment aboard the orbiting lab– an important structure for comparable systems prepared for future Artemis objectives.
As a specialist with SAIC, Attocknie has actually functioned as a flight controller, astronaut team workplace engineer, and astronaut team trainer. He signed up with NASA simply as the very first 2 modules of the spaceport station, Zarya and Unity, linked in area on Dec. 6, 1998.
“I've supported the spaceport station since and have actually been blessed to witness the exceptional development of this fantastic orbiting experiment,” he stated. “I feel I have actually discovered a method to contribute favorably to NASA's objective: to enhance life for all individuals on our world.”
He likewise added to liquidating the Space Shuttle Program and operated in system security for the Constellation program.
As part of SAIC's Employee Resource Group, Attocknie supports the Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement job, which utilizes project-based finding out to motivate high school trainees from underrepresented neighborhoods to pursue professions in science, innovation, engineering, and mathematics. He continues to promote for Native Americans as a member of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, assisting NASA engage with university student throughout Indian Country.
Attocknie makes every effort to add to an area expedition tradition that boosts and unifies cultures, leading the way for a future in human spaceflight that honors and empowers all.
A member of the Comanche and Caddo people of Oklahoma, he has actually made it his objective to produce a cross-cultural exchange in between NASA and Native neighborhoods to offer chances for Natives to check out Johnson.
Among his proudest minutes was arranging a Native American Heritage Month occasion with NASA's Equal Opportunity and Diversity Office. The event combined Native dancers and vocalists from Oklahoma and Texas to honor their heritage at Johnson.
“Seeing the Johnson neighborhood rally around this occasion was remarkable,” stated Attocknie. “It was an extensive experience to share and commemorate my culture here.”
Getting rid of obstacles and obstacles has actually been part of his NASA experience. “Finding and attaining my function is constantly a continuous journey,” he stated. “Accepting what may look like a regression is the initial step of development. There's constantly a lesson to be discovered, and every dissatisfaction can sustain a brand-new aspiration and instructions. Trip the waves, be modest, discover lessons, and above all, constantly keep going.”
He thinks that NASA's objective is deeply linked to variety and addition. “You can't really benefit mankind if you do not represent mankind,” stated Attocknie.
