Alyssa Yawkey supports the International Space Station as a flight lead in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory from NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. The Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory is one of the largest indoor pools in the world where astronauts and support crews conduct training and other large-scale operations both in the water and on the pool deck.
In this role, Yockey guides teams through integration efforts, including test readiness reviews to ensure all requirements are met, and helps prepare for test or other test events as appropriate. She ensures smooth planning and execution of each mission-focused activity. Yockey also serves as a safety diver during astronaut friendly test programs, giving her a unique perspective on both the planning and execution of Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory operations.
Read on to learn more about Yockey’s career at NASA!
where are you from?
Friendswood, Texas.
How long have you been working for NASA?
Eleven and a half years.
What was your path to NASA?
My path to NASA has been a unique blend of science and practical experience. I grew up in Friendswood, Texas, surrounded by the influences of NASA and the space community. While many people around me were attracted to engineering, I knew from the beginning that this was not the path I wanted to take. Instead, I followed my curiosity about the natural world and earned a master’s degree in marine biology, which gave me a strong foundation in research, problem-solving, and working in challenging environments. From there, I pursued opportunities that built on those skills, including completing offshore water survival training at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory for the job I had at the time. This role also allowed me to learn more about the wide range of opportunities at the facility. Additionally, I became a certified scuba diver during college, which strengthened my ability and confidence underwater and in extreme environments. Together, these experiences combined my academic background with practical training, and ultimately guided me to my role at NASA.
How would you describe your job to family or friends who may not be familiar with NASA?
When I explain my job to family and friends, I usually say that I help make sure “astronaut pool days” run smoothly. I work with different teams to prepare their projects for NASA’s giant pool – the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory – where astronauts practice for spacewalks both on the International Space Station and on the lunar surface. That means taking care of paperwork, preparing checklists for mock-up setup, and making sure everything is ready before anyone puts on a suit and jumps into the water. When I’m not doing that, I occasionally have the opportunity to jump in as a safety diver, which essentially makes me an underwater lifesaver for astronauts.
What advice would you give to young people interested in working in the space industry or NASA?
alyssa yockey
Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory Flying Lead
Stay curious, be flexible and never stop learning. Look for internships, research opportunities and mentorship, as they can open doors and give you practical experience. Most importantly, remember that there is no one path forward in this industry. Whether you come from engineering, science, business, policy or even the arts, your unique perspective can contribute to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in space exploration.
Is there a space personality you look up to or someone who inspires you?
For me, it’s not about looking at any one individual, but being inspired by the collective effort that makes space exploration possible. What inspires me most is to see how different disciplines and approaches unite towards the same goal, often even under intense pressure. This kind of teamwork and dedication inspires me to give my best and reminds me that every role, no matter how big or small, contributes to the greater success of the space program.
alyssa yockey
Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory Flying Lead
What is your favorite NASA memory or the most meaningful project you worked on during your tenure with NASA?
My favorite NASA memory is watching the collaboration of different NASA groups in developing the choreography for four Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) spacewalks over many years. It was incredible to be a part of that process from the beginning. I was lucky enough to see the first developments in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, and then later watch ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Luca Parmitano and NASA astronaut Drew Morgan perform the same spacewalks in orbit. Being able to see all that preparation, teamwork, and problem-solving come to fruition was both rewarding and unforgettable.
What do you like to share about the station?
I love sharing how the space station connects directly to life on Earth. People often think of it as just a place for astronauts to live and work in space, but it’s actually a unique laboratory that helps us solve problems at home. From medical research that leads to new treatments, to technology that improves clean water and sustainability, to international collaboration that shows what we can achieve when we work together – the station is a powerful reminder that exploration drives innovation and benefits everyone on Earth.
November 2, 2025, marks 25 years of continuous human presence. What does this milestone mean to you?
This milestone is inspiring – it represents the innovation, perseverance and teamwork required to turn the extraordinary into the routine. Personally, it reminds me why exploration matters: it connects us to different countries, pushes the limits of what is possible, and lays the foundation for the next steps in our journey beyond Earth.
If you could have dinner with any astronaut, past or present, who would it be?
I would choose Karen Nyberg. Not only did she make significant contributions as a NASA astronaut and engineer, but she also brought a very humanitarian and creative element to her time in space. I admire how she combined her professional expertise with her passion for sewing and quilting, even making a quilt block while on the space station. As someone who enjoys quilting herself, I think it would be interesting to hear how she balanced technical work with creative expression in such a unique environment. I think our conversation will include both science and sewing, which is a perfect blend of my own interests.
Do you have a favorite space-related memory or moment that stands out for you?
One of my favorite space-related memories is meeting and chatting with former NASA flight director Gene Kranz at a book signing. It was fun to hear stories directly from someone who played such an important role in NASA’s history and get insight into the dedication, teamwork and problem-solving that makes space flight possible. Meeting them made history come alive and reinforced why I’m grateful to be a part of this field.
What are the major projects you have worked on during your tenure at NASA? What has been your favourite?
During my time at NASA, I first served as the Dive Operations Training Officer, where I was responsible for training and supporting divers in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory. From there, I took on the role of flight lead, supported several projects including the integration of Axiom Space into the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, worked with the Micro-G Neutral Buoyancy Experiment Design Teams (Micro-G NEXT) student experiment design teams, and participated in various lunar operations test programs. Each of these projects has been beneficial in different ways, whether helping commercial partners prepare for their missions, mentoring and guiding students as they see their concepts come to life, or contributing to the future of lunar exploration. I particularly enjoy the challenges each project brings, as they push me to adapt, collaborate across disciplines, and continually grow in my role.
What are your hobbies/things you enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my husband and our pups, traveling, and camping in different states and national parks. Hiking is one of our favorite ways to explore new places and enjoy the scenery along the way. At home, I like to relax with a good book or by sewing. Quilting has become a really rewarding creative outlet for me – I love selecting fabrics, experimenting with patterns, and watching a design come to life piece by piece. Every quilt has its own story, whether it was made for a friend, a family member, or simply for the joy of making something new.
Day launch or night launch?
Night launch!
Favorite space movie?
Hidden figures.
NASA worm or meatball logo?
worm!
NASA and its partners have continuously supported humans living and working in space since November 2000. After nearly 25 years of continuous human presence, the space station remains a training and proving ground for the future of commercial space stations, deep space missions, enabling NASA’s Artemis missions, lunar exploration, and future Mars missions.
Every day, we are conducting exciting research in our orbiting laboratory that will help us explore farther into space and benefit people on Earth. You can see the latest news, videos and photos about space station science on the Station Research & Technology news page. It is a curated hub of space station research digital media from Johnson and other centers and space agencies.
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