NASA’s Guardian of Space: Dr. Heather Cowardin’s Mission to Tackle Orbital Debris
In the ever-expanding realm of space exploration and satellite technology, ensuring the safety of human and robotic missions is paramount. At the forefront of this crucial effort is Dr. Heather Cowardin, who leads NASA’s Hypervelocity Impact and Orbital Debris Office at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. Her team is entrusted with the significant responsibility of understanding and mitigating the risk posed by space debris—a growing threat to satellites, spacecraft, and human spaceflight.
From Childhood Dreams to NASA Leadership
Dr. Cowardin’s journey toward becoming a leader in space debris research began in her youth, growing up near the Johnson Space Center. As a child, she was captivated by the idea of becoming an astronaut. Recalling those early aspirations, she says, “I remember driving down Space Center Boulevard with my mom and seeing people running on the trails. I told her, ‘That will be me one day—I promise!’ And she always said, ‘I know, honey—I know you will.’”
Today, Cowardin’s childhood dreams have evolved into a critical leadership role within NASA’s Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science Division, commonly known as ARES. Here, she oversees a multidisciplinary team focused on measuring, modeling, assessing risks, and developing strategies to mitigate space debris. With over 20 years of experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a steadfast commitment to one of NASA’s most vital safety initiatives.
The Science of Orbital Debris
Space debris, often referred to as space junk, consists of defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments from disintegration, erosion, and collisions. This debris poses a significant risk to active satellites and spacecraft. Dr. Cowardin’s work is centered around characterizing these Earth-orbiting objects using optical and near-infrared telescopic data, as well as laboratory analyses. She played a pivotal role in establishing and leading the Optical Measurement Center at Johnson, a state-of-the-art facility that simulates space-like conditions to identify debris materials and shapes, which are crucial for evaluating potential risks.
Cowardin’s efforts extend across various research projects, ranging from ground-based and in-situ observations to space-based experiments. Her contributions to over 100 scientific publications and presentations underscore her expertise and dedication. As co-lead on the Materials International Space Station Experiment missions, she tests the durability of materials exposed to the harsh environment of space.
Collaborating on a Global Scale
In addition to her work at NASA, Dr. Cowardin is an active member of the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee, an international forum aimed at minimizing and mitigating the risks posed by space debris. Her involvement highlights the global nature of the challenge and the necessity for collaboration among nations and space agencies.
Dr. Cowardin’s passion for space debris research was further ignited by her mentor, Dr. James R. Benbrook, a space physics professor and radar scientist who supported the Orbital Debris Program Office. Recalling his influence, she says, “He was a hard-core Texas cowboy and a brilliant physicist. He brought me on as a NASA fellow to study orbital debris using optical imaging. After that, I was committed to working at NASA—no matter what it took.”
A Career Built on Dedication and Perseverance
After completing her fellowship, Cowardin pursued graduate studies at the University of Houston while working full-time. Within a year, she secured a contract position at Johnson, where she contributed to the development of the Optical Measurement Center and supported optical analyses of geosynchronous orbital debris. Her career trajectory saw her rise to the position of optical lead, later serving as a contract project manager and section manager.
Building on her growing expertise, Cowardin became the laboratory and in-situ measurements lead for the Orbital Debris Program Office. This program is part of the Office of Safety and Mission Assurance at NASA Headquarters. In this capacity, she led efforts to characterize debris and provide direct measurement data to support engineering models like NASA’s Orbital Debris Engineering Model and the Standard Satellite Breakup Model. She also managed significant projects such as DebriSat, a comprehensive study of satellite breakups.
Cowardin was eventually selected as the Orbital Debris and Hypervelocity Integration portfolio scientist. In this role, she facilitated collaboration within the Hypervelocity Impact and Orbital Debris Office, both internally and with external stakeholders and customers. These efforts laid the groundwork for her current position as branch chief, where she continues to drive advancements in space debris research and safety.
Balancing Professional and Personal Achievements
One of Cowardin’s proudest accomplishments was earning her doctorate while working full-time and during her final trimester of pregnancy. Reflecting on this achievement, she shares, “Nothing speaks to multitasking and time management like that. I use that story to mentor others—it’s proof that you can do both. Now I’m a mom of two boys who inspire me every day. They are my motivation to work harder and show them that dedication and perseverance always pay off.”
Throughout her career, Cowardin has learned the importance of never underestimating oneself. “It’s easy to think, ‘I’m not ready,’ or ‘Someone else will ask the question,’” she says. “But speak up. Every role I’ve taken on felt like a leap, but I embraced it and each time I’ve learned and grown.”
She emphasizes the value of self-awareness and the willingness to seek feedback. “It’s scary to ask for feedback, but it’s the best way to identify growth opportunities,” she says. “The next generation will build on today’s work. That’s why we must capture lessons learned and share them. It’s vital to safe and successful operations.”
Inspiring Future Generations
To the Artemis Generation, Cowardin hopes to impart a sense of purpose. “Commitment to a mission leads to success,” she states. “Even if your contributions aren’t immediately visible, they matter. What we do at NASA takes new thinking, new skills, and hard work—but I believe the next generation will raise the bar and lead us beyond low Earth orbit.”
Beyond her professional endeavors, Cowardin finds solace in running. “I’ve completed five half-marathons and I’m training for the 2026 Rock ‘n’ Roll half-marathon in Nashville,” she says. “Running helps me decompress—and yes, I often role-play technical briefings or prep conference talks while I’m out on a jog. Makes for interesting moments when I pass people in the neighborhood!”
Dr. Heather Cowardin’s journey from a young girl with dreams of space to a leading figure in NASA’s efforts to tackle orbital debris is a testament to her dedication, perseverance, and passion for space exploration. Her work not only protects current missions but also paves the way for future generations of space explorers.
For more information on NASA’s efforts regarding orbital debris, readers can visit NASA’s Orbital Debris Program Office.
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