Jaclyn Kagey Shapes Humanity’s Return to the Moon

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. 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. 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. One of her career-defining moments came during a high-pressure operation aboard the International Space Station. “I’ve planned and executed seven spacewalks, but one that stands out was U.S. …