NASA Operations Manager Allison Mjoen Reflects on Artemis Launch and Ground Operations

On April 1, 2026, NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) roared to life at Kennedy Space Center, sending the Artemis I vehicle toward the Moon. Allison Mjoen, the agency’s operations manager for the Exploration Ground Systems Program, watched the launch with her family and recalled a career that began with the Space Shuttle Program and evolved through the International Space Station and Artemis I integration work. Mjoen’s responsibilities include developing integration plans and overseeing ground operations for booster and Orion spacecraft processing, ensuring that every decision and communication supports safe, real‑time operations. She emphasized the importance of preparation, collaboration, and trust—values she carries into daily coordination across teams. Mjoen sees Artemis as a new generation’s chance to create shared moments of wonder and lasting lunar presence.