Capturing NASA’s PACE Mission: A Day in the Life of Documentary Photographers
Ambiguity is a term that perfectly encapsulates the daily experiences of documentary photographers at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center located in Greenbelt, Maryland. These photographers, like Desiree Stover, the lead documentary photographer for the Ocean Color Instrument (OCI), and Denny Henry, PACE’s lead mission photographer, embark on their workdays expecting one scenario but often find themselves adapting to changes on the fly. Their role is pivotal as they document the chronicles of each mission at Goddard, capturing the essence of the mission’s journey from conception to launch.
To celebrate World Photo Day, we’re diving into the experiences of these photographers as they document NASA’s latest mission build, PACE. PACE, which stands for Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem, is slated for launch in early 2024. This mission aims to provide unprecedented insights into oceanic and atmospheric features by measuring the intensity of colors reflected from Earth’s ocean surfaces. This data is critical for understanding the role of tiny plant-like organisms and algae, known as phytoplankton, which form the foundation of the marine food web and produce half of the oxygen on Earth.
For Stover and Henry, the narrative of PACE begins with the minutiae. Henry recounts his early experiences photographing the mission, highlighting his first capture of a seemingly mundane circuit port box. Despite its simplicity, this component is a crucial part of a system poised to achieve significant objectives. Since joining in 2020, right before the onset of the pandemic, Henry has been involved in documenting every stage of PACE’s development.
Their typical workday begins with a morning meeting, followed by assignment briefings and preparations. However, by the day’s end, plans often undergo multiple revisions. Stover explains that some days involve capturing as few as eight photographs, while others may require hundreds. The images they take serve diverse purposes, primarily focusing on the technical aspects of the mission, such as documenting construction processes, identifying errors, and monitoring testing procedures.
Stover initially joined Goddard by photographing the James Webb Space Telescope before transitioning to capturing images of smaller instruments like PACE’s OCI. This advanced sensor is designed to continuously measure light across the ultraviolet to shortwave infrared spectrum, enhancing our understanding of Earth’s ocean and atmosphere. Stover expresses her gratitude for the trust her colleagues place in her photographic skills, emphasizing that while engineers could technically take photos themselves, they rely on her expertise to visually narrate the mission’s story.
Henry recalls a particularly memorable day when he documented the integration of the SPEXone instrument into the spacecraft. The presence of numerous partners underscored the significance of the event, and Henry meticulously captured every step from bolting to mounting. This level of detail is crucial for future reference, allowing team members who weren’t present to understand the sequence of events.
However, capturing images is just one aspect of their job. For every hour spent photographing, an equivalent amount of time is devoted to processing images and collaborating with partners to ensure accurate documentation. Beyond storytelling, Stover emphasizes the importance of speaking up when something seems amiss. During a vibration test, she noticed discrepancies with OCI’s Earth shade, such as tape peeling from radiator panels and potentially loose wires. Her keen observation led to a series of images sent to the thermal team lead, prompting design revisions.
Both Stover and Henry have had their fair share of unique experiences while documenting missions. They underwent fall protection harness training in case they needed to navigate Goddard’s cleanrooms—a scenario Stover encountered during an assignment. She recounts her experience shooting from the crane rafters in Building 29’s high bay, a situation that tested her fear of heights but ultimately resulted in successful image captures.
The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated considerable adaptability, requiring the photographers to adjust to new protocols and restrictions. Henry notes that many times, engineering drawings did not align with the actual builds. Consequently, PACE relied heavily on his images to track changes and identify problem areas, underscoring the critical role of photography in mission development.
As PACE approaches significant milestones in the coming year, both Stover and Henry eagerly anticipate witnessing the culmination of their efforts, particularly on launch day. They agree that photographing the teams involved in various aspects of PACE’s construction is exceptionally rewarding, as these images serve as valuable mementos that contribute to the mission’s legacy.
In conclusion, the work of documentary photographers at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center is an indispensable part of mission documentation. Through their lenses, they capture the intricate details and dynamic changes that define each mission’s journey. As PACE prepares for launch, the photographs taken by Stover and Henry will continue to provide invaluable insights into the mission’s development and success. For more information on NASA’s missions and the work of these talented photographers, visit NASA’s official website.
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