Shaping the Future of Space Exploration: Jorge Chong’s Role in Autonomous Spaceflight
In the realm of space exploration, every calculation matters, and Jorge Chong is at the forefront, ensuring that human spaceflight is both safe and revolutionary. As a project manager for TRON (Tracking and Ranging via Optical Navigation) and a guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) test engineer within NASA’s Aeroscience and Flight Mechanics Division, Chong is spearheading efforts to enable the Orion spacecraft to autonomously navigate the vastness of deep space.
Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) can be likened to the brain of a spacecraft. This sophisticated system comprises an array of sensors that continuously track the spacecraft’s position, ensuring it remains on course and can safely return to Earth. "Testing the components of a GNC system provides an intimate understanding of how it all integrates," Chong explained. "Seeing these components operate successfully in flight is incredibly fulfilling."
Chong’s contributions are pivotal to the Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and lay the groundwork for future Mars expeditions. His work includes developing advanced optical navigation technology, enabling the Orion spacecraft to determine its position using visual cues from Earth and the Moon. Additionally, Chong is involved in testing docking cameras and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) systems, essential for the autonomous rendezvous of spacecraft. At Lockheed Martin’s Orion Test Hardware facility in Houston, he runs high-fidelity flight simulations to ensure that Orion’s software is resilient enough for the demands of space travel.
Chong’s journey with NASA spans seven years as a full-time engineer, following three years as a cooperative education student at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. In 2024, he took the helm of Project TRON, an initiative focusing on optical navigation funded by a $2 million Early Career Initiative award. This project is designed to advance autonomous navigation, a critical capability for missions venturing beyond Earth’s orbit.
Thanks to Chong’s dedication, the Artemis Generation is nearing the realization of exploring the Moon, Mars, and beyond. He played a supportive role in the optical navigation operations during Artemis I, is currently writing software destined for Artemis II, and leads the optical testing of Orion’s docking cameras. However, Chong’s path to NASA was not always clear-cut.
As a child, Chong found math challenging. "I didn’t enjoy it at first, but my parents were patient and encouraged me," he recalls. "Eventually, it clicked and became a strength, something I truly enjoyed. Now, math is a core part of my career." Chong emphasizes perseverance, particularly for students who may find themselves discouraged by difficult subjects.
Chong credits much of his knowledge to on-the-job collaboration. "No matter how daunting something may appear, it can be learned," he said. "I couldn’t have imagined being involved in projects like these or working alongside such remarkable teams before joining Johnson."
His career has highlighted the importance of teamwork, especially when collaborating with contractors, vendors, universities, and other NASA centers. “Coordinating these dynamic teams and keeping deliverables on track can be challenging, but it helps to rely on teammates for assistance and maintain open communication,” said Chong.
Soon, these systems will enable Artemis astronauts to explore previously unreachable destinations. Whether guiding Orion to the Moon or beyond, Chong’s efforts are instrumental in helping NASA write the next chapter in space exploration.
Reflecting on his journey, Chong expressed gratitude: “I thank God for the doors He has opened for me and the incredible mentors and coworkers who have helped me along the way.”
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