Stephen K. Cox

A seasoned aerospace professional with 29 years of experience at NASA, Stephen specialized in payloads, space stations, satellites, and rocket launches. He has directly contributed to the launch of over 180 rockets, holding pivotal roles such as Operations Director, where he provided the critical Go/No-Go system calls. Post-retirement, He is passionate about delivering engaging enrichment talks on science, space, astronomy, and NASA-related topics, having successfully presented on various cruise lines, including MSC, NCL, Princess, Royal Caribbean, and Azamara. His interactive and informative sessions have been well received, showcasing his enthusiasm for inspiring public interest in science and space exploration.

Work History

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Kennedy Space Center (KSC) (1991-2018)

1991 - 1995

- Space Lab Payload Command Data System (SPCDS) Lead, operations and configuration of experiment test labs
- Supported over 11 Space Lab Missions
- Experiment engineer installing, integrating, and testing instrumentation packages into spacelab
- Provided on orbit support as required

1995 - 1997

- Expendable Launch Vehicle (ELV) subject matter expert and lead for flight vehicle avionics on Delta, Atlas, Pegasus, and Titian rockets
- On console launch support responsible for flight readiness of vehicle avionic systems
- Yes, I am a Rocket Scientist

1997 - 2002

- Expendable Launch Vehicle (ELV) Operations Director , Call sign MOD
- On console supported of ~200 launches
- Project manager designing and constructing ~30 launch control rooms
- Lead design engineer for voice, video, timing, networks, and data systems

2002 - 2018

- Launch System Project (LSP) Manager
- Launch Control Center (LCC) Element Operations Manager (EOM) implementing the budget and all facilities maintenance.
- Communications Element Operations Manager for all the projects communication requirements, budget and implantation.
- Firing Room Launch Control System (LCS) Element Operation Manager (EOM) defining the LCS operational requirements and preforming verification & validation of this requirements. Negotiated and managed operations LCS budget.