As humanity prepares to return to the lunar surface, Jaclyn Kagey is at the forefront of the mission. Serving as the Artemis extravehicular activity lead within the Flight Operations Directorate, Kagey is responsible for orchestrating the complex procedures required for astronauts to safely explore the Moon’s South Pole. Her work involves bridging the gap between scientific objectives and practical field operations, ensuring that crews are fully prepared to navigate a region of the lunar landscape that has never before been visited by humans.

Kagey’s career, which spans over 25 years, is defined by her ability to manage high-stakes environments. Her expertise was forged through years of experience with the International Space Station, including a pivotal moment during a critical ammonia leak repair. In that instance, her team successfully planned and executed a complex spacewalk in just 36 hours, a testament to the agility and dedication she now brings to the Artemis program. She emphasizes that adaptability is the most critical skill for mission success, noting that the ability to pivot when plans change is essential for crew safety.

Beyond operational planning, Kagey is a vocal advocate for inclusive design in space exploration. Drawing on her own past experiences with ill-fitting legacy equipment, she has championed the development of spacesuits that accommodate a broader range of body types. This advocacy recently culminated in her successful testing of the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU), a next-generation lunar suit. By ensuring that the technology fits the people who use it, Kagey is helping to set a new standard for accessibility and performance in deep space missions.