I Am Building SLS: Mike Beckstrand, Stage Controls Program Manager for Space Launch System Booster
I was born in Los Angeles, Calif., but raised in a small farming community in central Utah named Meadow. I earned a degree in biology from Utah State University. I learned Spanish while living in Peru two years serving a religious mission. I presently work for ATK and direct and coordinate all details for the development and qualification of the avionics subsystem to be used on America’s next heavy-lift launch vehicle for the human and scientific exploration of space beyond Earth’s orbit. How incredible is that? I would have to say the highlight of my job is being able to meet and work with so many people from so many different walks of life that share the same goal – to put America back in space.
I first became interested in space while I was involved in the Boy Scouts of America. There is a merit badge related to the study of astronomy, and I have always loved looking at the stars when camping in wilderness areas far away from the lights of the city. I was involved with many aspects of the manufacturing of the reusable solid rocket motors used on the Space Shuttle Program, and I was fortunate enough to actually see a space shuttle launch. I saw what went in to such an event and knew that I had to be part of the next generation solid rocket booster. I am most proud of the fact our team is nearing completion of the development of the new, advanced avionics system, a critical aspect of the twin SLS boosters, providing power distribution, communication with flight computers, booster ignition, command and control of the booster steering system and booster staging.
I would encourage anyone who is interested in pursuing a career in a similar field as mine to do just that. If someone is going to do it, why not you? Turn each negative experience into a positive one, and apply what you have learned when the next challenge presents itself.