Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): I am leaving my position at NASA to work on a commercial spacecraft.
Those who know me know that one of my dream jobs since I was a young child was working at NASA. In 2015 that desire became a reality, thanks to a lot of work, and a lot of support from my family and friends. Working as an ISS Flight Controller placed the real-time operations “bug” in me and it has never really left, even after becoming a civil servant and service as an employee of the U.S. Government.
Whenever I travel to Florida for NASA work or for personal travel, friends and friends of friends are always trying to recruit me. Nothing ever sounded enticing enough to leave NASA … until I traveled to see the Artemis I launch. Talking with a person I now consider a friend, we discussed what work I liked and he said they were looking to hire someone to help with their spacecraft. Listening to what the work entailed, the position sounded great – working close to a spacecraft and in launch and real-time operations.
Needless to say, I was offered the position and I accepted. I will be moving to the Space Coast (Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, Merritt Island, Florida, USA) in the coming weeks. When I understand what and how much I can share, I’ll update this posting.
Here is the note that I sent to my friends, family, and colleagues about me leaving a job that I dreamed of as a kid to work on something that I didn’t know I wanted to do.
My friends,
My email to my NASA family, real family, and friends.
It is with a bittersweet heart and also extreme gratitude that I send this note.
I will be departing NASA on Friday, 4 November 2022.
During over 7 years as a NASA intern, contractor, and civil servant, it has been my honor to work alongside all of you – the absolute best engineers, scientists, technologists, communicators, analysts, and leaders, on this planet and off – helping unlock the secrets of the Universe for the benefit of all humanity.
You do hard work and make it look effortless. I am proud to have helped shape our Nations’ and the world’s space programs with you amazing humans.
Whether we met only once, only virtually, or we are life-long friends, if you are BCC’d on this email, please know that you have made a significant impact on my professional and personal life and I cannot thank you enough.
…
If you are local to the KSC area, I’ll be moving close to you so let’s get together.
Keep dreaming, keep inspiring the world, and keep looking up!
Ad Astra,
Andy
—
Andy Rechenberg
Mission Solutions Lead – NASA Customer Engagement Office (CEO)
NASA Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO)
Deputy Manager – KSC Configuration Management Program (SELP)
I.T. Liaison – Gateway Program
Alternate Network Communications SME – NASA Communications Program (CP)
ISS PLUTO Flight Controller – Flight Operations Directorate (FOD)
Software Development Intern – JSC Office of Safety and Mission Assurance
