Tessa Keating, an alumna of The University of Southern Mississippi (USM), never thought her job at NASA’s John C. Stennis Space Center would allow her to contribute to historic events within the space program. Now, she helps promote Artemis, a series of ongoing lunar missions, to everyone who visits the space center’s campus, showcasing a new generation of explorers.
Keating, a Carriere, Miss. native, earned her master’s degree in communications from USM in 2006. While interning at NASA’s Stennis Space Center, she balanced night classes and weekend work while building a promising career.
“Being raised in South Mississippi, going to Southern Miss was no question. USM was the perfect choice for me. I had such a wonderful time there. The professors felt like family and wanted to help me in my career and future goals,” said Keating.
Located in Hancock County, Miss., the John C. Stennis Space Center–NASA’s largest rocket engine test facility–has conducted a series of engine tests for numerous space missions including Artemis. Keating began her internship in the NASA Stennis Office of Human Capital’s Human Resources department, before applying for an open position in the Office of Communications. She now serves as the protocol officer for NASA Stennis, overseeing internal events, logistics and high-level visits. One of her most memorable moments was coordinating a rocket engine test viewing at the space launch center during the height of the pandemic. By incorporating social distancing, health protocols and virtual viewings, she was able to demonstrate the importance of rocket engine testing at Stennis to a broad audience.
“We want the public to know what we know and become excited about the Artemis program. We are the Artemis generation,” Keating said.
NASA’s Artemis program launched in 2022 with the first of five spaceflight missions. The first mission successfully sent an uncrewed test flight to orbit the moon. In 2026, the second Artemis mission will carry a crewed flight beyond the moon, marking the farthest humans have ever traveled in space. Between 2027 and 2030, the third, fourth and fifth missions will send humans—including the first woman and the first astronaut of color—to land on the moon for the first time since Apollo 17 in 1972.
“They [rockets] don’t go into space unless they come through South Mississippi first. We have a big part of the space program right here in South Mississippi,” Keating said.
Keating guides community leaders on tours of the space center, highlighting the role NASA Stennis plays in South Mississippi. Her passion for promoting the future of space exploration is evident in her work and interactions. She is committed to providing a top-tier experience for every visitor who steps onto the campus.
In August 2024, Keating was awarded the Silver Snoopy Award, an honor given to fewer than one percent of NASA employees annually. The award recognized her contributions to NASA Stennis and the Office of Communications. It was presented by NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman, commander of the Artemis II mission.
“I was very thankful. It was due to our work to promote the Artemis program and guest operations last year. It’s a great facility to lead tours and show community leaders what we do daily. It’s extremely humbling,” expressed Keating.
Keating looks forward to the continued growth of space exploration and ensuring a high-quality NASA experience for everyone who visits the campus.