Laura Pashley

Can you tell us a bit about your background and what you do now?

The short version: I'm from a small town in Michigan! I graduated the first time around with a B.S. in Aviation. I started my career in the Aviation industry working for a cargo airliner and learning to fly planes. When the Commercial Space Industry started to ramp up, I opted to go back to school for a second B.S. in space Flight Operations & Human Factors. I was accepted into the Brooke Ownes Fellowship during this time and held an internship working on the Stratolanch aircraft. After I graduated, I took my first industry job as a Payload Safety & Operations Engineer for a 3D printing and manufacturing company called Made in Spac (now owned by RedWire Space). In this role, I executed the safety certifications, verification testing and analyses, integration, and real-time flight operations for in-space manufacturing payloads on the International Space Station. After two years in this role, I took a new role as a Payload Project manager at Axiom Space. This transition was lateral and similar to the role at Made in Space. However, I was now working on a variety of payloads (including some that worked closely with the astronauts!) Now I work as a Payload Mission manager at Axiom Space. In this role, I am responsible for mission integration, vehicle manifest, crew training, and real-time flight operations of the payloads. 

What do you most enjoy about your current position?

I have a fantastic team, I enjoy the breadth of learning through my work on a variety of payload science (biological science, physical science, technological demos, human research, etc.), and working more closely with our crew (astronauts)!

Can you describe what a typical day is like for you?

My work days require a lot of cross-team coordination to ensure mission success. I work with many international customers and government agencies like NASA/ESA/CSA to integrate their payload science into our private astronaut missions. I am meeting with these stakeholders on a daily basis. I manage the mission manifest which means I must keep a detailed record of all the payload science going up on our mission, the specific requirements, and what is needed from the crew (astronauts). I work with the crew members to train for in-flight operations of the payloads too. There is much more to a given day - but in general I'm working hard to deliver on customer requirements for science! 

How did you become interested in STEM? 

I remember thoroughly enjoying my science classes as a little girl - and that desire to learn andy and all science stuck with me all these years! 

Did you have a favorite mentor and how did they inspire you?

I've had many mentors and inspirations. The most important reflection I have on their character and the impact it has had on me is to lean into grit and perseverance amid adversity. 

How do you handle failure or setbacks in your work or in life?

Turn the no into a yes. Make it happen for yourself no matter how many door are closed. Welcome failure from trying so that you may learn, grow, and eventually succeed. Always find another way if the first few don't pan out - there is always more than one path to your dreams, some are just less direct. 

What is one piece of advice you wish you had received when you were just starting out?

You can be anything, do anything. learn anything, and change as often as feels right for you in this life. The important this is that you do those things that set your heart on fire.