In the world of human spaceflight, the journey from a childhood dream to a pivotal role at NASA is often a remarkable story of passion, mentorship, and dedication. Such is the narrative of Teresa Sindelar, a visionary whose path to becoming a Chief Training Officer (CTO) at NASA’s Johnson Space Center is as inspiring as it is educational. Her story exemplifies how a series of seemingly small interactions and decisive steps can lead to a significant impact in the world of space exploration.
Teresa Sindelar’s fascination with space began at a young age, fueled by a chance meeting with former NASA astronaut Tom Stafford in her hometown of Nebraska. This serendipitous encounter took place at a local jewelry shop, where Gen. Stafford was signing autographs. During their brief interaction, he offered Sindelar a piece of advice that would shape her future: to explore the Kansas Cosmosphere, a renowned space museum located in Hutchinson, Kansas. This suggestion ignited a spark in young Sindelar, prompting her to engage deeply with the world of space science.
Following Gen. Stafford’s advice, Sindelar participated in every camp offered by the Cosmosphere, which further solidified her interest in spaceflight. She went on to intern at the museum during her college years and eventually worked there full-time while pursuing her graduate studies. This hands-on experience allowed her to discover a passion for education and mentoring, particularly in the realm of science. Her role in the museum’s education department, coupled with her time as a high school science teacher, underscored her desire to combine technical expertise with instructional roles.
Today, Teresa Sindelar holds the position of CTO within the Flight Operations Directorate at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. Her role is integral to the comprehensive training of NASA astronauts, international partners, and flight controllers. Sindelar’s responsibilities include ensuring that all parties involved in a mission are synchronized, from instructors to facility managers. Her unique position allows her to see the overarching picture of the training process, focusing on long-term objectives and goals.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of her job is witnessing the growth and development of young professionals in the field. Sindelar particularly enjoys mentoring new flight controllers, guiding them from their initial stages to becoming confident contributors to NASA’s missions. This mentoring role is something she takes great pride in, knowing that her influence helps shape the future of space exploration. She often reflects on the satisfaction of seeing a recent college graduate evolve into a skilled flight controller, contributing to the success of NASA’s missions.
Sindelar’s journey with NASA began in 2010, and her career has included various roles, from an educator in the center’s Office of Education to a crew training instructor in the Space Medicine Operations Directorate. Her dedication and leadership were recognized in March 2025 when she received the Space Flight Awareness Program Honoree Award. This accolade was awarded for her outstanding leadership in the Private Astronaut Mission (PAM) program, an initiative aimed at fostering a competitive commercial economy in low Earth orbit. As the lead CTO for Axiom Mission 3, she identified inefficiencies, streamlined operations, and enhanced mission safety and performance, culminating in a successful mission and recognition at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.
Throughout her 15-year tenure at NASA, Sindelar has embraced the philosophy of leading by example. She believes in motivating her team to achieve commitment, rather than mere compliance. In the high-stakes environment of space training, maintaining a motivated and focused team is paramount. Training astronauts and flight controllers involves preparing them for some of the most dangerous activities humans undertake, emphasizing the critical nature of the training process.
Sindelar’s team at Johnson Space Center is acutely aware of the stakes involved in their work. Living and working in the same communities as the astronauts and their families instills a strong sense of responsibility. Sindelar often emphasizes that their team’s mission is not just professional; it’s personal. The safety of their colleagues, who are also neighbors and friends, is always at the forefront of their minds.
Building confidence and finding her voice were also significant aspects of Sindelar’s professional journey. As a young professional, she sometimes doubted her ability to influence decisions. Overcoming this challenge required trusting her instincts and stepping outside her comfort zone. She credits her growth to the mentorship she received from various figures in the spaceflight community, including her counselors at the Cosmosphere, flight directors, and astronauts. These mentors played a crucial role in shaping her career, and Sindelar views it as a privilege to have learned from them.
Outside of her work with NASA, Sindelar expresses her creativity and passion in other areas. She is an active member of her church choir and plays the piano, showing her love for music and volunteerism. Additionally, she contributes to her community through the Friendswood Volunteer Fire Department, where she serves on the rehab team and as the department’s chaplain.
As NASA looks toward the future, with plans to return humans to the Moon and eventually journey to Mars, Sindelar hopes to have inspired the next generation of explorers. She believes that the upcoming generation will achieve feats that her own could only dream of. Her message to them is clear: use your voice, support one another, and reach out to help those who follow. On her desk, Sindelar keeps a poignant reminder of her beginnings—a signed photograph from Gen. Stafford, a symbol of the guidance and encouragement that set her on her path.
In conclusion, Teresa Sindelar’s story is a testament to the power of mentorship, perseverance, and the pursuit of one’s passion. Her journey from a starry-eyed child to a leader at NASA exemplifies the potential within each of us to reach for the stars and make a significant impact in our chosen fields. As NASA embarks on new frontiers in space exploration, Sindelar’s contributions and leadership will undoubtedly continue to inspire and guide the future of human spaceflight.
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