From Family Conversations to NASA’s Stennis Space Center: The Inspiring Journey of Huy Nguyen
Growing up in a household where discussions about rocket engines and space exploration were as common as talks about weekend plans, Huy Nguyen was destined for a career in the space industry. His upbringing, surrounded by parents who both worked at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, laid the groundwork for his eventual career at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.
Nguyen recalls, “They both created a household that allowed me to be curious and to be a problem solver.” This nurturing environment instilled in him a passion for innovation and a drive to tackle complex challenges.
Today, Nguyen applies that same curiosity and problem-solving mindset as an electrical controls engineer at NASA Stennis. He is responsible for crucial propulsion testing support areas, including the High Pressure Gas Facility and the High Pressure Industrial Water Facility. These facilities are vital to NASA’s mission, playing a central role in the testing of space exploration technologies.
Nguyen explains, “Both areas are considered the heart and powerhouse of testing.” His work involves maintaining older systems that often require hard-to-find replacement parts, while simultaneously advancing them with modern control systems for enhanced monitoring and maintenance capabilities. This dual challenge of blending old and new technologies excites Nguyen, as it allows him to innovate user interfaces and integrate current controls with existing infrastructure.
One of the pinnacle moments in Nguyen’s career at NASA was his involvement in the successful Green Run test series, a key part of NASA’s Artemis campaign aimed at returning humans to the Moon. This test series was crucial in validating the first Space Launch System (SLS) core stage for the Artemis I test flight around the Moon. The success of Artemis I is paving the way for Artemis II, which is scheduled to fly four astronauts around the Moon by early 2026.
In his role, Nguyen oversees controls operations for the NASA Stennis facilities that supply helium, nitrogen, air, and water necessary for the SLS core stage testing. His work was integral to the Green Run test series, which he describes as a career highlight. “It was a lot of work to set it up and then run it around the clock for 24 hours,” he recalls. For an entire day, multiple systems had to function seamlessly to support the massive SLS core stage during a comprehensive stress test.
Nguyen reflects on the experience, noting, “Seeing everyone focused on a single goal like that was truly amazing.” The test required engineers, technicians, and support staff to work in shifts, each person acutely aware of their role in ensuring the mission’s success. This sense of teamwork mirrored what his NASA-employed parents likely experienced, now bringing Nguyen full circle to his roots.
The successful completion of the Green Run testing series on March 18, 2021, was a monumental achievement for NASA Stennis. It concluded with the SLS core stage firing its four RS-25 engines for a complete mission duration of 8 minutes and 19 seconds, marking the most potent propulsion test conducted at the center in over four decades.
As NASA prepares for the launch of Artemis II in 2026, Nguyen continues to play a crucial role in upgrading these essential facilities. His work ensures that NASA Stennis remains equipped to support humanity’s future endeavors into deep space.
Nguyen eagerly anticipates witnessing the Artemis II test flight around the Moon with his family by his side, including his parents, who first sparked his interest in space exploration, and his young nephews. He hopes that this mission will ignite a similar passion for space travel in them, as they currently have a fascination with cars and trucks.
Through the Artemis campaign, NASA aims to send astronauts to the Moon, laying the groundwork for future human exploration of Mars. This mission will not only advance scientific knowledge but also inspire the next generation of explorers, much like Nguyen was inspired by his parents.
The Artemis campaign is part of NASA’s broader strategy to extend human presence in space, which includes developing technologies for sustainable exploration and preparing for the eventual journey to Mars. As we look to the future, the work being done at NASA Stennis and by engineers like Nguyen is essential in turning these ambitious goals into reality.
In summary, Huy Nguyen’s journey from family conversations about NASA to playing a pivotal role in one of its most critical projects is a testament to the power of curiosity and the influence of early inspiration. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of nurturing young minds and the potential impact they can have on the world when given the right tools and encouragement. As we await the next phase of the Artemis mission, Nguyen’s contributions to NASA’s space exploration efforts highlight the ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
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