More than 30 Panthers contribute to the first crewed lunar mission in over 50 years
As NASA prepares to launch Artemis II, the first crewed lunar mission in more than 50 years, Florida International University’s College of Engineering and Computing is proud to recognize the Panthers helping make it possible.
Artemis II will send astronauts on a 10 day journey around the Moon and back to Earth. The mission marks several historic milestones, including the first crewed flight of the Orion spacecraft and the first human mission beyond low Earth orbit since 1972.
Behind this next era of space exploration are more than 30 FIU alumni, including graduates from the College of Engineering and Computing as well as other colleges, contributing across mission critical areas, including launch operations, propulsion systems, engineering integration, communications and program management.
Among them are 13 alumni pictured above, whose roles span the full scope of the mission:
Messod Bendayan, Class of 2005, Communications Strategist, supports public affairs efforts at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and assists media covering the Artemis II launch. (College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts)
Matthew Burmeister, Class of 2021, Launch Control System Hardware Lead, ensures hardware systems are engineered and integrated to support launch operations, astronaut communications and critical safety systems.
William Denis, Class of 2004, Systems Application Software Engineer (College of Business)
Allan Villorin, Classes of 2011 and 2017, Launch Control System Chief Architect, oversees the design and functionality of the system that commands and controls the Space Launch System and leads software and hardware architecture teams.
Edsel Sanchez, Class of 2003, Division Chief in the Engineering Directorate, leads technical performance and integration efforts and ensures systems meet mission certification requirements.
Joshua Green, Class of 2002, Supervisor of the Commercial Systems Resources Management Office, supports Artemis II through financial management of key technical areas, including launch vehicle telemetry systems that help ensure mission success.
Robert Hernandez, Classes of 1998 and 2004, Lead Design Engineer and Design Manager, supports infrastructure upgrades across key Artemis II facilities and ensures readiness of essential systems.
Alvaro Sosa, Class of 2023, Core Stage Structures and GSE Tooling Engineer, supports core stage assembly and integration, including tooling design, fabrication and pre launch operations.
Rami Ghazzara, Class of 2019, Avionics Systems Engineer for SLS Launch Operations at Boeing, leads electrical system installations for the Artemis II core stage and supports integrated testing and launch operations.
Michael Guzman, Class of 2012, Main Propulsion System Operations and Launch Engineer, tests and maintains propulsion systems and supports launch operations for Artemis II.
Michael Milbert, Class of 1991, retired NASA Safety Center Assessment Manager, conducts assessments of quality management systems and mission critical processes across NASA centers.
Wendy Ledezma, Class of 2006, Deputy Configuration Management Program Manager at Kennedy Space Center, leads engineering process and tool development to ensure accuracy and traceability of mission systems.
Claudia Eyzaguirre, Class of 2014, Integrated Spacecraft and Payload Element Operations Manager, manages operations for upper stage elements and leads planning, execution and integration efforts across facilities and payloads.
Their contributions reflect the strength of both FIU and its engineering and computing programs, as well as the impact of its graduates at NASA and its partners.
As Artemis II marks a return to crewed lunar exploration, these Panthers are helping shape the future of spaceflight and demonstrating how FIU talent reaches far beyond Earth.