3 min read<\/p>\n
Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater)<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Since childhood, Derrick Bailey always had an early fascination with aeronautics. Military fighter jet pilots were his childhood heroes, and he dreamed of joining the aerospace industry. This passion was a springboard into his 17-year career at NASA, where Bailey plays an important role in enabling successful rocket launches.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Bailey is the Launch Vehicle Certification Manager in the Launch Services Program (LSP)<\/a> within the Space Operations Mission Directorate<\/a>. In this role, he helps NASA outline the agency\u2019s risk classifications of new rockets from emerging and established space companies.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \u201cWithin my role, I formulate a series of technical and process assessments for NASA LSP\u2019s technical team to understand how companies operate, how vehicles are designed and qualified, and how they perform in flight,\u201d Bailey said.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Beyond technical proficiency and readiness, a successful rocket launch relies on establishing a strong foundational relationship between NASA and the commercial companies involved. Bailey and his team ensure effective communication with these companies to provide the guidance, data, and analysis necessary to support them in overcoming challenges.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \u201cWe work diligently to build trusting relationships with commercial companies and demonstrate the value in partnering with our team,\u201d Bailey said.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Bailey credits a stroke of fate that landed him at the agency. During his senior year at Georgia Tech, where he was pursuing a degree in aerospace engineering, Bailey almost walked past the NASA tent at a career fair. However, he decided to grab a NASA sticker and strike up a conversation, which quickly turned into an impromptu interview. He walked away that day with a job offer to work on the now-retired Space Shuttle Program at the agency\u2019s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \u201cI never imagined working at NASA,\u201d Bailey said. \u201cLooking back, it\u2019s unbelievable that a chance encounter resulted in securing a job that has turned into an incredible career.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Thinking about the future, Bailey is excited about new opportunities in the commercial space industry. Bailey sees NASA as a crucial advisor and mentor for commercial sector while using industry capabilities to provide more cost-effective access to space.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
![A graphic features a photo of Derrick Bailey, launch vehicle certification manager for the Launch Services Program. Next to the photo is a quote from Bailey: \"We are the enablers. It is our responsibility to provide the best opportunity for future explorers to begin their journey of discovery in deep space and beyond.\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/derrick-bailey-graphic.png?w=2048\")
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