Meet: Laura Hoppe

Who I Am and What I Do
Hi! I am an INCO flight controller. INCO stands for Instrumentation and Communication Officer. The INCO is responsible for the orbiter's communication and instrumentation systems. One of the jobs of an INCO is sending commands to reconfigure and control the orbiter. Not so much control as configuration, but every so often we send a command that will enable some jets to fire! I was able to do several of those types of commands during STS-88. The INCO position is related to more of a science discipline than a math discipline.

Maintaining communications involves knowing one's systems well and being prepared for all types of failures. As a flight controller, I am constantly in training, usually working sims (simulations) a couple of days a week. Practice for the real thing is obtained working generic sims and mission specific sims. There are always other projects going on that we work on too. As the GA (group administrator for the INCOs), I'm also responsible for ensuring all the updated software is ready for the next mission. Preparing for a mission is so much more intensive then most people realize.

Of course, the most exciting and enjoyable part of an INCO's job is when I am supporting a shuttle flight or working a simulation. Because of the failures thrown in, sims are usually much more interesting than the real thing. But nothing beats the excitement of a mission up in orbit. Being part of the team is important and is a wonderful feeling. I know my job is important, and I make a difference to the NASA team. It is my job to make sure the astronauts have communication with MCC as much as possible. The crew depends on me for this when I am sitting console.

Preparation for Career
I graduated from Spring Branch High School in Houston, Texas. I attended Texas A&M, where I earned my bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering technology. I started working for NASA right after I graduated from college as my first job. I went directly into crew training, and then I transferred to the Program Office working in Flight Integration. From there, I came here to flight control, in the Systems Division, and entered the INCO training flow.

Personal Information
When I'm not training or working on console, I love to play doubles sand volleyball (two on two). I also enjoy water and snow skiing, soccer, hiking, scuba diving, jogging, landscaping - anything outdoors. I really enjoy reading, too. My dog, a Miniature Schnauzer named Shurlee, is very cute. I also have an nine year old niece I enjoy spending time with. I'm teaching her how to catch and throw with a softball. She wants to play on a team, so I'm helping her get ready.

I graduated from the University of Houston - Clear Lake in May 1999 with a degree in Computer Information Systems. Completing the required courses took four years, but it was worth it. I've learned quite a bit and it's a good feeling to have finally met my goal.

My favorite food is tortillas filled with cheddar cheese and Mrs. Dash extra spicy. I like banana's too. Oh, I absolutely can't live without Mexican food or Chinese food. I love hanging out with friends and enjoy being very active. I live in Houston, Texas, real close to Memorial Park.

Web Sites
Here's two web sites I visit. One has information on sand volleyball tournaments I play in and the other shows my soccer interests.

GCVA - Volleyball

Kodiaks Soccer

My Family
My parents live in the Houston area. My brother, Ronald, is going to University of Houston, working towards his degree. My sister, Kim, recently moved to Austin and is working as a computer programmer. I am the youngest. We enjoy getting together and having dinner when we all get the chance.

Growing Up
As a child going to school, I was good in math and science and enjoyed these subjects. Though a bit on the shy side, I never felt pressured to like something more "girlish," instead of science and math. I always thought it would be neat to work at NASA. I always liked to read, especially sci-fi and fantasy. One of my all-time favorites was The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. I read at lunch almost everyday when I was in Junior High. I knew from elementary school that I didn't want a nine-to-five job at a desk. I wanted to do something active - a fireman or a veterinarian. My job at NASA isn't as active, but it is a great job that I really enjoy.

I grew up and attended school in the Spring Branch area of Houston. I was the first person in my family to go to college, though I found college to be a bit intimidating at first. But this didn't stop me from succeeding and reaching my goals.

Looking back on being a young adult in junior high and high school, I wish I had figured out a way to feel less insecure and less worried about what others thought, especially when it came to socializing. Not having a car, new clothes or name brand, or cool stuff really doesn't make a difference! I wish I had realized that some of the stuff I worried about really wasn't important at all.

Future Plans and Goals
I would love to win the lottery and travel the world. Australia and the Fiji Islands are two of many places I'd like to visit. I would like to earn a second master's degree, maybe an MBA or another technical master's degree at some point. I almost started flying lessons about the time I decided to go back to school. Doing both would have been a bit challenging, so I stuck with school. Maybe flying will be my next project!

Archived Chats

• May 11, 2000