In the vast realm of space exploration, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of human spaceflight is a monumental task. For over a quarter of a century, Mark Elder has been at the forefront of this endeavor. As the International Space Station (ISS) Extravehicular Activity (EVA) hardware manager within NASA’s EVA and Human Surface Mobility Program, Elder leads a dedicated team responsible for developing and maintaining the equipment that keeps astronauts safe and operational during spacewalks. As NASA sets its sights on the new era of the Artemis missions, Elder’s contributions are more crucial than ever.
Elder’s team holds the critical responsibility of managing the Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) spacesuits. These suits are essential for astronauts working outside the ISS, ensuring their safety in the harsh environment of space. The team meticulously oversees every component, from bolts to batteries, to guarantee that they meet the rigorous standards required for space missions. Additionally, Elder manages the EVA Space Operations Contract, which provides the necessary engineering and technical support to maintain the spacesuits in a state of readiness for flight.
The work of Elder and his team is integral to the success of each EVA, or spacewalk, conducted at the ISS. They collaborate closely with astronauts, engineers, and the Mission Control Center in Houston to ensure that all equipment functions correctly in the unforgiving conditions of space. This collaboration is vital to ensuring the safety and success of every mission.
Elder’s passion for space exploration ignited at a young age. "When I was little, my parents gave me a book called ‘The Astronauts,’" he recalls. "It featured drawings of the space shuttle, a reusable spacecraft, and I was immediately captivated. From that moment, I knew I wanted to work at NASA."
This dream took a significant step forward when Elder attended Space Academy in Huntsville, Alabama, at the age of 16. "That experience solidified my aspiration to work for NASA and provided insight into the various roles within the agency," he says.
While pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering at Case Western Reserve University, Elder learned about a new NASA program that allowed college students to design and build experiments. These students could then visit Johnson Space Center for a week to test their experiments aboard the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker. "I seized the opportunity to be part of the team," Elder explains. "This experience further cemented my desire to work at NASA, specifically at Johnson."
Following his graduation, Elder began his career at Pratt & Whitney, working on jet engines. Although the experience was invaluable, his heart was set on human spaceflight. "I discovered that Hamilton Sundstrand, a fellow company under the United Technologies umbrella, was the prime contractor for the spacesuit," he says. "I jumped at the chance to transfer, and my career at NASA finally began."
Elder’s first three years at Johnson Space Center involved performing tool-to-tool fit checks on spacewalking equipment. This hands-on experience acquainted him with nearly every tool he would eventually oversee as a hardware manager.
His early career coincided with the shuttle return-to-flight era, during which he worked on reinforced carbon-carbon panel repairs and thermal protection systems. These experiences laid the technical groundwork for his future leadership roles.
Over time, Elder took on more complex assignments, ultimately leading the team that developed the EVA Long Life Battery. This battery was the first human-rated lithium battery designed for space use. Elder’s team implemented a rigorous testing process to certify the battery for human spaceflight at a time when lithium batteries faced scrutiny for safety concerns.
"Signing the certification paperwork was gratifying, but witnessing an EVA powered by these batteries provided an immense sense of pride," Elder notes.
This innovation paved the way for future generations of safer, higher-capacity batteries that now power spacewalking operations and will eventually support lunar surface activities.
Reflecting on his journey, Elder shares that some of his most valuable lessons came from learning how to lead with purpose. "The great thing about NASA is its highly motivated and dedicated workforce," he says. "When I first became a team lead, I thought success meant making quick decisions and moving fast. I learned that leadership is really about listening. Strong teams are built on trust and open communication."
Another pivotal lesson, he adds, has been learning to assume positive intent. "At NASA, everyone is deeply passionate about their work," Elder explains. "It’s easy to misinterpret a disagreement as opposition. But remembering that everyone is working towards the same goal shifts the conversation towards problem-solving, not winning arguments."
This mindset has guided Elder through NASA’s most complex programs and helped him forge lasting partnerships across the agency.
Today, Elder’s work extends beyond the orbiting laboratory as NASA prepares for the Artemis missions to the Moon. His team’s experience in maintaining and improving the EMU informs the design of next-generation exploration suits.
"The foundation we’ve built on the space station is critical for the future," he emphasizes. "Every tool we’ve refined, every system we’ve upgraded—they all contribute to how we’ll operate on the lunar surface and eventually on Mars."
Elder believes that perseverance is key to future success. He advises the next generation never to stop dreaming. "My path wasn’t direct, and it would have been easy for me to give up," he says. "But dreams have a way of guiding you if you don’t let go of them."
When not focused on his work at NASA, Elder finds solace in his workshop, where he indulges in woodworking. "In my spare time, I love woodworking," he shares. "Building something useful from a pile of rough-sawn boards helps calm me and gives me a great sense of accomplishment. I love being able to build furniture for my family," he adds, mentioning a desk he recently finished for his youngest son.
The same patience and precision that Elder applies to woodworking also define his approach to exploration—steady progress, careful craftsmanship, and attention to detail. "As NASA goes to the Moon and Mars, there will be challenges," Elder acknowledges. "But as long as we keep dreaming, we will see the next generation walking on the Moon and heading to Mars."
For more information about NASA’s Artemis program, visit NASA’s official website here.
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