NASA's Orion Manager Prepares for Artemis II Moon Mission

Katie Oriti, Orion European Service Module Integration Office manager, shares her journey from small-town Ohio to leading a critical role in NASA's Artemis program.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Katie Oriti, a manager at NASA's Orion European Service Module Integration Office, shares her inspiring story of how she went from growing up in rural Ohio to playing a key role in the agency's Artemis program. Oriti initially thought working at NASA was out of reach, but her passion for space and engineering led her to the agency, where she has risen through the ranks to oversee critical integration efforts for the Orion spacecraft's European Service Module. As the Artemis II mission approaches, Oriti is excited to support the historic crewed flight around the Moon.

Why it matters

Oriti's journey demonstrates that a career at NASA is attainable for those with the right skills and determination, even if it may not have seemed possible growing up. Her story can inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to pursue their dreams of working in the space industry.

The details

Oriti originally studied mechanical engineering in college, intending to become a doctor. But as graduation approached, she shifted her focus and applied for roles that sparked her curiosity, leading her to a support services contractor position at NASA's Glenn Research Center. Oriti then became a civil servant, working as a thermal analyst for the Orion spacecraft. Through mentorship and a dedication to expanding her knowledge, Oriti rose to become the manager of the Orion European Service Module Integration Office, overseeing the critical integration efforts between NASA and the European Space Agency.

  • Oriti originally had her sights set on becoming a doctor while studying mechanical engineering in college.
  • As graduation approached, Oriti shifted course and applied for roles that sparked her curiosity, leading her to a support services contractor position at NASA's Glenn Research Center.
  • Oriti became a civil servant, working as a thermal analyst for the Orion spacecraft.
  • Oriti now leads integration efforts for the European Service Module, the powerhouse for Orion, working closely with ESA and Airbus to ensure the module is ready to support NASA's Artemis II mission around the Moon.
  • Oriti will support the Artemis II launch from the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center and then travel to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston to assist with mission control during the flight.

The players

Katie Oriti

The manager for the Orion European Service Module Integration Office at NASA, overseeing critical integration efforts between NASA and the European Space Agency for the Orion spacecraft.

Orion

The spacecraft carrying astronauts to the Moon through NASA's Artemis campaign.

European Space Agency (ESA)

The European space agency that is collaborating with NASA on the Orion European Service Module.

Airbus

The aerospace company that is working with NASA and ESA on the Orion European Service Module.

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What they’re saying

“I think NASA was always in the back of my mind because I had an interest in space. It was something that felt unattainable, and I just didn't think it was in the cards for me.”

— Katie Oriti, Orion European Service Module Integration Office manager (nasa.gov)

“I loved any opportunity I had to hear what was going on at the spacecraft and the program level. I knew if I wanted to grow and be part of that bigger conversation, I had to expand my knowledge base.”

— Katie Oriti, Orion European Service Module Integration Office manager (nasa.gov)

“I feel very privileged every day to lead this team. It's the highest functioning team I've ever been a part of, and everyone on the team is an A-player. They know their stuff and are very dedicated to the mission.”

— Katie Oriti, Orion European Service Module Integration Office manager (nasa.gov)

“I think the flyby of the Moon will be awesome. It was cool when we did the powered flybys on Artemis I and came very close to the surface of the Moon, but now we'll have crew members who will be looking out the window and able to tell us what they see.”

— Katie Oriti, Orion European Service Module Integration Office manager (nasa.gov)

What’s next

Oriti will support the Artemis II launch from the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida as part of the mission management team, providing expertise for the European Service Module. After launch, she will travel to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston to support from mission control, assisting with program-level decisions and monitoring the European Service Module's performance throughout the flight.

The takeaway

Katie Oriti's journey from a small-town Ohio native to a key leader in NASA's Artemis program demonstrates that a career at the space agency is attainable for those with the right skills and determination, even if it may not have seemed possible at first. Her story can inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to pursue their dreams of working in the space industry.