Editor’s note: This is the third in a series of six features introducing you to members of NASA’s Launch Services Program (LSP) team at Kennedy Space Center in Florida who are part of the GOES-T mission. The features will run weekly through March 1.
By Jason Costa
NASA’s Kennedy Space Center
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite T (GOES-T) satellite is the third satellite in the GOES-R Series, the Western Hemisphere’s most advanced weather observing and environmental monitoring system. GOES-T will provide advanced imagery and atmospheric measurements, real-time mapping of lightning activity, and monitoring of space weather.
GOES-T is scheduled to launch March 1, 2022, on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541 rocket from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. NASA’s Launch Services Program (LSP), based at Kennedy Space Center, is managing the launch. Meet one of the key members of the LSP team:
Name: Andy Sokol
What is your official title? Vehicle Systems Engineer (VSE)
What are your job responsibilities? The VSE is similar to your primary doctor – I monitor the life cycle of the rocket while it’s built, moved, stacked, tested, and launched. I consult with our team of brilliant specialists to evaluate any issues or changes along the way, so when launch day comes, we know the rocket is healthy and ready for a successful launch.
What is your role on GOES-T, and how will your efforts contribute to its success? As the Prime VSE for this mission, I’ve been keeping a close eye on the Atlas V rocket assigned to carry the GOES-T spacecraft. I’ve led the technical team through several detailed hardware reviews and into the launch campaign, making sure the rocket comes together and is all set to fly.
What excites you about this science mission? The previous GOES satellites have taken stunning photos of our blue marble from their high vantage point, so I’m looking forward to more of those. Also, since I live in a hurricane-prone area, the improvements to hurricane predictions and monitoring are always helpful!
How long have you worked at Kennedy Space Center/NASA? How long for LSP? I worked on the Space Shuttle Program at Kennedy Space Center with United Space Alliance from 2003 to 2012, then took a three-year hiatus from the center working at Piper Aircraft. I returned to Kennedy in 2015 to support Artemis with Jacobs Technology, and finally I joined NASA’s Launch Services Program in 2018.
What degree did you earn and why were you interested in that subject? I received my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Florida Institute of Technology. I got a Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering because I was in love with the space shuttle and wanted to work on it – also, I wanted to be an astronaut. I earned my Master of Science in space systems because it covered a wider breadth of overall space mission design – and I still want to be an astronaut.
Where did you grow up, and where do you live now? I grew up in Montville, New Jersey, and now I live Titusville, Florida.
What do you like to do outside work (hobbies, sports, etc.)? Pinball – collecting, refurbishing, and playing – 3D printing, bowling, photography, and of course spending time with my wife and two kids!
What is a fun fact about yourself? Every year, my father and I drive vintage, exotic, and collector cars being sold at the Mecum Auto Auction. This year, I drove a car that sold for $572,000, and a few years ago I drove a Corvette that once belonged to Gus Grissom!