Meet: Brian Anderson

X38 Project Manager
NASA Johnson Space Center

Who I Am and What I Do
I work at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, Texas, as the X38 Project Manager. I began my work on the X38 as an original member of the X38 design team. I began in 1995 as the avionics design lead. I have served as the Launch Panel Operator on several X38 test flights, including the first flight of X38 V131. The X38 will be the emergency crew return vehicle housed on the International Space Station.

Education and Preparation for Career
I graduated from Arkansas Tech University with a BS in physics in July 1986. I began work at JSC in August 1986, as a flight controller, in the electrical systems section of the Mission Operations Directorate.

I worked as a mission controller for six years certified as an Ascent/Entry EGIL. EGIL stands for Electrical Generation and Integrated Lighting Systems engineer. The EGIL team monitors cryogenic levels for the fuel cells, electrical generation and distribution systems on the shuttle, and vehicle lighting.

From June 1992 until early 1995, I lead the design team for the core systems in the new Mission Control Center. This included the design of all computer systems and core systems software, as well as all the major support systems such as video, timing, operating systems, etc.

Personal
I live in League City, Texas, with my family. I have been married 16 years to Vicki, who is a 5th grade teacher. We have two children, Lauren 13, and Skyler 11. Lauren is a star basketball player. Her teams have lost one game in the last four years. Skyler is a music nut, like me, and loves basketball and video games. Our favorite things to do together as a family are to travel and to eat out together. I enjoy skydiving.

Growing Up
I grew up in Miami, Oklahoma, where I lived for 19 years. As a kid, I liked to read fantasy books. When I was in high school I wanted to be a professional musician.

Future Goals
I hope to be involved in helping place a permanent human presence on the moon.