Contractor to Civil Servant: NASA Welcomes Kristie Foster

Kristie Foster, a quality engineer at NASA's Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, has been promoted to a civil servant position as part of the agency's initiative to enhance technical expertise within its workforce. Foster's role at Stennis Space Center, near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, is integral to NASA's missions, including returning astronauts to the Moon and establishing a permanent presence on the lunar surface.

Her work involves managing quality assurance and engineering at the facility's high-pressure gas and water facilities, which are crucial for propulsion testing. Foster, who has been a contractor at Stennis since 2008, brings valuable institutional knowledge and safety expertise to her new civil servant position. She emphasizes the importance of safety and quality in the agency's operations, stating that following these principles leads to better outcomes.

Foster's journey to NASA began with internships and classes at Stennis, culminating in a full-time position after completing her bachelor's degree. Her work extends beyond technical tasks to include safety oversight at critical test stands, such as the Thad Cochran Test Stand (B-2), where Blue Origin will conduct tests for the New Glenn rocket.

Foster's commitment to safety and quality aligns with NASA's Artemis missions, which aim to return humans to the Moon. Her role not only supports these missions but also serves as an inspiration to her son, who shares her passion for space exploration.