Frank D'Amico

After graduating from Virginia Tech, I accepted a role with Lockheed Martin Space in Denver, Colorado. In this role, I worked on the Orion spacecraft as part of NASA’s Artemis program. My responsibilities included the electrical power systems for the Orion spacecraft, which will ride on top of the Space Launch System rocket and carry astronauts into deep space. After three years there, I moved on to work for Blue Origin on their New Glenn rocket. 

As humans return to the moon and look to explore beyond, what are you most excited to learn from the mission?

I am most excited to learn more about how to explore deep space in a practical, sustainable manner so that astronauts can one day live and work in deep space on a regular basis. 

What knowledge have you gained from being part of such an expansive, multidisciplinary endeavor?

I have learned how to work with teams across vast programs and a variety of stakeholders, customers, and vendors. 

How did Virginia Tech prepare you for your current role?

My work designing and building electrical power systems for the BOLT electric motorcycle at Virginia Tech gave me a huge head start in my work on Orion. One of my primary responsibilities as the powertrain lead on BOLT was designing and building a custom battery pack. Likewise, my primary role on Orion was as the principal engineer for a battery. Battery engineering is pretty niche, so my experience on BOLT gave me a very valuable set of skills. 

What do you think your younger self would think about your current work on Artemis?

He would think it’s a dream come true.

Want to share your story?

Contact: Jama Green, External Relations Manager