Payload Commander Dr. Fiona Einhaus – NASA Astronaut#
Age (2045): 45
Mission Role: Payload Commander (PLC) – Automated Refueling & Cryogenic Propellant Systems, Erebus 2
Education
- B.Sc. Chemical Engineering, University of Cambridge – emphasis on thermodynamics and process control
- Ph.D. Propulsion Systems Engineering, California Institute of Technology (Caltech) – dissertation “Integrated Cryogenic Refueling Architecture for Low‑Earth‑Orbit and Deep‑Space Vehicles”
Flight & Space Experience
- Erebus 1: Payload Commander; led the development, testing, and in‑orbit operation of the first fully automated cryogenic refueling module aboard the ISS. Worked side‑by‑side with CDR Cole and CDR Walker on crew‑vehicle integration.
- Erebus 2: Designated PLC for the current mission, responsible for the overall payload strategy, safety oversight, and coordination of all cryogenic fuel‑handling activities.
Professional Background (20 years)
- Public sector: Senior engineer at NASA’s Propulsion Directorate, overseeing the design and certification of liquid‑methane (CH₄) and liquid‑hydrogen (LH₂) storage, transfer, and venting systems for the Artemis and Marathon programs.
- Private sector: Lead systems architect for CryoFlow Technologies, where she directed the commercialization of automated refueling stations for orbital servicing vehicles and developed predictive maintenance algorithms for high‑pressure cryogenic valves.
Core Qualifications & Expertise
- NASA Class II Space Physical
- Advanced Science Operations Training and Planetary Protection Certification – ensuring contaminant‑free handling of cryogenic propellants.
- Certified Cryogenic Systems Engineer – U.S. Department of Energy
- Patents & Publications: Four patents on self‑sealing cryogenic couplings; lead author on seminal papers covering liquid‑methane boil‑off mitigation and autonomous refuel‑cycle optimization.
- Leadership: Directed multi‑disciplinary teams of engineers, scientists, and flight controllers to integrate automated refueling hardware with crew‑operated procedures, guaranteeing safe, repeatable propellant transfers.
Mission‑Specific Responsibilities – Erebus 2
- Overall payload authority: Define mission objectives for cryogenic fuel research, approve experiment designs, and ensure alignment with the upcoming Marathon deep‑space mission goals.
- Automated Refueling Oversight: Supervise the operation of the onboard autonomous refuel‑loop, monitor real‑time telemetry of LH₂, CH₄, and ancillary fluids, and coordinate contingency actions with CDR Cole (mission commander) and CDR Walker (assistant commander).
- Safety & Compliance: Maintain strict adherence to NASA’s cryogenic safety standards, conduct pre‑flight hazard analyses, and lead post‑flight debriefs to capture lessons learned for future refueling architectures.
- Stakeholder Coordination: Serve as the primary liaison between NASA’s propulsion office, commercial partners, and the scientific payload community, translating technical requirements into actionable flight plans.
Personal Note
Fiona’s dedication to precision and reliability stems from two decades of navigating the complexities of cryogenic propulsion. Off‑duty, she continues to run marathons, most recently completing an ultra‑marathon across the Andes while mentoring women in STEM through the Women in Space initiative and finding balance at the cello. Her confidence in CDR Cole’s leadership (and the steadfast support of CDR Walker) reflects the deep trust built during Erebus 1, assuring the crew that “we’re in good hands.”
