Wisconsin Native Plays Key Role in Artemis Moon Missions

Doug Parkinson leads launch integration and mission operations for NASA's powerful Space Launch System rocket.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 2:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Doug Parkinson, a mechanical engineer from Wisconsin, now serves as NASA's SLS (Space Launch System) rocket lead for Launch Integration and Mission Operations. In this role, he guides the team responsible for monitoring the rocket during testing, pre-launch, and launch activities. Parkinson joined NASA in 1999 and has worked on developing advanced liquid rocket engines, including the J-2X used on the Saturn V. As the first person to hold the Launch Integration and Mission Operations leadership position in the SLS Program, Parkinson will play a critical role in the upcoming Artemis missions that will send astronauts back to the Moon.

Why it matters

The SLS rocket is a crucial component of the Artemis program, which aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon and prepare for future missions to Mars. Parkinson's leadership in launch operations and his extensive experience with rocket engine development will help ensure the success of these historic missions.

The details

Parkinson began his career studying mechanical engineering at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, where he had the opportunity to work at the university's Propulsion Research Center. This experience sparked his interest in advanced propulsion technologies and led him to join NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in 1999. Over the years, Parkinson has worked on developing engines like the Fastrac and J-2X, and in 2012 he transitioned to the SLS program, where he now serves as the operations lead for the stages element and one of the SLS Engineering Support Center managers.

  • Parkinson joined NASA at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, in 1999.
  • In 2012, Parkinson moved to the SLS program.
  • Parkinson is the first person to hold the Launch Integration and Mission Operations leadership position in the SLS Program.

The players

Doug Parkinson

NASA's SLS (Space Launch System) rocket lead for Launch Integration and Mission Operations, guiding engineers responsible for monitoring the rocket during testing, pre-launch, and launch activities.

University of Alabama in Huntsville

The university where Parkinson studied mechanical engineering and had the opportunity to work at the Propulsion Research Center, which sparked his interest in advanced propulsion technologies.

NASA

The U.S. space agency that Parkinson joined in 1999 at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, where he began helping develop advanced liquid rocket engines.

Artemis

NASA's program that aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon and prepare for future missions to Mars, with the SLS rocket playing a crucial role.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I came across an opportunity to work at the Propulsion Research Center at the university. I studied new propulsion technologies. That intrigued me because, as an undergrad, it was a chance to put into practical use what I was learning in the books and in theory.”

— Doug Parkinson

“I love all aspects of the operations. I like getting my hands dirty. I like seeing the erector set go together.”

— Doug Parkinson

“I have goosebumps just thinking about it. I'll be on console for part of that time, listening to what they have to say. It's amazing to think we're going to go do that.”

— Doug Parkinson

What’s next

As the Artemis II mission approaches, Parkinson will continue to play a crucial role in ensuring the successful launch and operation of the SLS rocket, which will carry the Orion spacecraft and its crew on their journey around the Moon.

The takeaway

Doug Parkinson's journey from a mechanical engineering student in Wisconsin to a key leader in NASA's Artemis program highlights the vital role that skilled engineers and technicians play in enabling humanity's return to the Moon. His dedication and passion for advancing rocket technology will help pave the way for future space exploration.