Jaclyn Kagey Shapes Humanity’s Return to the Moon

Credits: NASA For Jaclyn Kagey, preparing astronauts to put boots on the Moon is part of her daily work. As the Artemis extravehicular activity lead in NASA’s Flight Operations Directorate, Kagey plays a central role in preparing astronauts to safely explore the lunar surface. Official portrait of Jaclyn Kagey. NASA/Robert Markowitz My mission is to shape the historic endeavor by working closely with scientists and industry partners to define lunar surface activities. We are setting the standard for humanity’s return to the Moon. Jaclyn Kagey Artemis Extravehicular Activity Lead During Artemis missions, astronauts will explore the Moon’s South Pole, a region never visited by humans, paving the way for future deep space exploration. Kagey helps define how astronauts will work on the Moon, from planning detailed spacewalk timelines to guiding real-time operations. Crews will conduct these activities after stepping outside NASA’s human landing system, a commercial lander designed to safely transport astronauts from lunar orbit to the surface and back. Jaclyn Kagey conducts lunar surface operations training in the Rock Yard at Johnson Space Center, where teams test tools and procedures for future Artemis missions. NASA Kagey’s NASA career spans more than 25 years and includes work across some of the agency’s most complex programs. While studying at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, she watched space shuttle launches that solidified her goal of working at NASA. “From a young age, my aspirations were singularly focused on contributing to the nation’s aircraft and spaceflight endeavors,” she said. That goal became reality through United Space Alliance, where she and her husband began their careers as contractors. Jaclyn Kagey work