NASA Engineer Maps Data Gaps to Guide Lunar Missions

Aerospace engineer Richard Spolzino, working at NASA’s Langley Research Center, is cataloguing the missing knowledge that could hinder the agency’s return to the Moon. He defines a “data gap” as a formal record of what is unknown, why it matters, what is currently lacking, and a measurable target for partners to meet. The team has identified about 25 gaps last year and plans to reach 60 by year‑end. Spolzino’s work directly influenced the Voyager (formerly Astrobotic) Griffin‑1 mission, helping the company prioritize which instruments to send back through a limited communication pipeline. He also evaluates new instrument proposals, requiring them to map to a documented gap before advancing. His role illustrates NASA’s culture of early‑career impact, where engineers shape decisions rather than merely executing plans.