Embry-Riddle senior Kaelyn Tindall spent her summer interning with NASA contractor Barrios Technology, supporting the Gateway lunar space station mission at Johnson Space Center.

For Kaelyn Tindall, a senior in the Space Operations program at Embry‑Riddle, this summer has been anything but ordinary. As a summer intern with Barrios Technology in Houston, Texas, a NASA contractor supporting the Human Space Flight Technical Integration Contract (HSFTIC), Tindall is contributing directly to the future of lunar exploration.

Assigned to the Gateway Configuration, Modeling and Mass Properties (gCAMMP) team, Tindall supports the development of NASA’s Gateway space station, which will serve as a lunar orbit outpost for future Artemis missions.

“The best part about this internship is that there’s no typical day,” Tindall shared. “One day I’m building low-fidelity models for mission planning, the next I’m observing astronaut training at the Neutral Buoyancy Lab or shadowing a flight controller.”

Hands-On Experience in Human Spaceflight

From day one, Tindall has applied her Embry‑Riddle coursework to the fast-paced world of NASA operations. Her responsibilities include evaluating hardware access for crew members during extravehicular activities (EVAs), assessing ergonomics and using computer-aided design (CAD) software to simulate module layouts.

One standout project involved analyzing the impact of wastewater venting from Orion while docked with the Gateway’s airlock and refueling modules. Tindall prepared a technical presentation for environmental systems teams, applying both her engineering knowledge and refined communication skills.

“Our program at Embry‑Riddle emphasizes translating complex systems into clear language,” she said. “That ability to bridge the technical and non-technical has made all the difference."

From MCC Lab to Mission Planning

Tindall’s experience in Embry‑Riddle’s Satellite Mission Control Center (MCC) Lab prepared her for the demands of mission integration. In the MCC Lab, she helps design and manage student simulations, leads tours and supports recruitment events. One of her latest projects involves creating a virtual reality-based spacewalk simulation using publicly available NASA Gateway models and resources.

“The skills I’ve developed like problem-solving, adaptability and communication have translated directly to my internship with the gCAMMP team,” she explained. “It’s been rewarding to apply what I’ve learned in class to real-world mission planning."

Looking to the Future

After completing her bachelor’s degree, Tindall plans to pursue a master’s in systems engineering and return to Houston to work in human spaceflight operations.

“This internship has opened my eyes to opportunities beyond the Flight Control Room,” she said. “From the Mission Evaluation Room to the ISS Management Center, I now see a broader horizon of career paths.”

Tindall encourages fellow students not to underestimate their potential.

You are more capable than you think. Don’t be afraid to reach out to professionals or take on challenges that stretch your skills,” she advised. “People in this field want to help and every conversation could open a new door.

Internships like Kaelyn’s not only give students the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to complex, real-world challenges, they also deepen their connection to the broader Embry‑Riddle community.

“Through these experiences, students see firsthand how their education equips them to make meaningful contributions to the industry, and they return with a renewed sense of purpose and pride in being part of the Embry‑Riddle legacy,” said Applied Aviation Sciences Department Chair Dr. Thomas Guinn.

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