Episode 181: Passing Down Knowledge
Heather Koehler, NASA Technical Fellow for Flight Mechanics, explains how knowledge at NASA is passed from person to person, program to program. The post Episode 181: Passing Down Knowledge appeared first on NASA Science .
In a recent episode of the Small Steps, Giant Leaps podcast, NASA Technical Fellow for Flight Mechanics Heather Koehler discussed how knowledge is passed down among engineers working on various programs at NASA. Koehler explained that engineers often work on multiple programs throughout their careers, providing designs, simulations, and analyses for all phases of a program's life cycle.
As engineers gain experience in one program, they learn to solve problems using specialized tools and methods tailored to that specific program. This knowledge is then transferred to other programs as engineers apply their expertise to similar challenges. For instance, Koehler shared how guidance, navigation, and control algorithms developed for a solar sail CubeSat mission were adapted for other flight mechanics simulations.
Moreover, Koehler highlighted the importance of soft skills, such as effectively communicating technical solutions to various audiences, which are honed over time through experience on different programs. She credited her mentors for teaching her to practice, learn from failures, and gain experience under their guidance.
Koehler emphasized that not all knowledge gets documented, so retaining it is crucial. She noted that human learning is often most effective through observation, hands-on practice, and repetition. Koehler credited her mentors for patiently teaching her how to use software tools and design systems while avoiding potential failures.
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