A project manager for NASA’s Johnson Space Center Life Support Systems Branch in Houston, Retana helps ensure the safety of astronauts on the International Space Station and for future Artemis missions. Her work includes tracking on-orbit technical issues, managing cost and schedule impacts of flight projects, and delivering emergency hardware.
One of his most notable accomplishments came during the qualification of the Orion Smoke Eater filter for the Artemis II and III missions. The filter is designed to remove harmful gases and particles from the crew cabin in the event of a fire inside the spacecraft. Retana was tasked with creating a cost-effective test rig — a critical step in making the filter safe for flight.
Retana’s philosophy is simple: “Rockets don’t build themselves. People build rockets, and your ability to work with people will determine how well your rocket is built.”
Throughout his career, Retana has honed his soft skills – communication, leadership, collaboration and conflict resolution – to create an environment of success.
Retana encourages his co-workers to learn new languages and share their unique perspectives. He also founded NASA’s first mariachi group, giving them a chance to share their cultural heritage in the workplace.
He believes that diversity of thought is a key element in solving complex challenges as well as creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their perspectives.
“You have to be humble and always want to learn,” he said. “What makes a strong team is that not everyone thinks the same.”
As for the future of space exploration, Retana is excited about the democratization of space, envisioning a world where every country has the opportunity to explore. He looks forward to seeing humanity reach the Moon, Mars, and beyond, driven by the quest to answer the universe’s most mysterious questions.
To the Artemis generation he says, “Never lose hope, and it’s never too late to start chasing your dreams, no matter how far away you are.”