How engineers bridge the gap between complex space hardware and public health data

Engineers are the unsung architects of scientific discovery. This talk explores the critical role of instrument operations systems engineers in managing space missions like the Multi-Angle Imager for Aerosols, ensuring vital environmental data successfully reaches researchers on Earth.

The Multi-Angle Imager for Aerosols (MAIA) mission is designed to track particulate matter and aerosols in the atmosphere. By mapping these floating particles globally, the mission aims to help public health officials identify environmental risks and understand how pollution influences disease patterns.

Janelle Wellons, an instrument operations systems engineer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, explains the necessity of her role in mission success. The discussion, recorded on September 16, 2021, highlights how engineering expertise transforms raw space-based observations into actionable information for protecting human health.

Source: Instrumental: Engineers Who Make Science Possible (Live Public Talk)