November 15, 2024 – Royal Canadian Air Force
First day at Space School! Official photo of the Captain Erin Edwards took to NASA before his entry into the NASA Space Flight Academy, which was the first chapter of his CAPCOM training.
Photo : DND
Captain Erin Edwards embodies the concept that ” All East possible ». From piloting helicopters in special operations to coordinating astronaut activities at NASA, she shows us that there are no limits to what we can accomplish and that our thought and dedication play a determining role in our success. His professional career demonstrates that it is possible to overcome the most difficult obstacles, whether in the sky, in space or in life, by demonstrating determination, curiosity and open-mindedness towards ‘learning.
When asked how her military journey began, the capt Edwards explain : ” I have always loved planes and rockets. I joined the Air Cadets at the age of 12 ans and this experience confirmed my passion for flying. I obtained my private pilot’s license in 2002. Obtaining my license coincided with my first application for admission to the Royal Air Force Canadian (CRA). Things didn’t work out so I went to school to study geology. I loved my experience in this sector which allowed me to travel around the world to work in remote camps. I subsequently reapplied but didn’t hear back so I enlisted in the Naval Reserve and found the experience fascinating and stimulating. » She believes that the time she spent learning to work as a team aboard ships His Majesty with the Royal Navy Canadian (MRC) contributed to the success of his subsequent training within the Air Force. ” I have submitted a new application to the ARC after completing the training MAR SS IV. My request was accepted and I was transferred to 2013. »
On the day of his graduation from 3rd School pilotage of the Canadian Forces, the August 27, 2016the capt Edwards received the prize offered by the City of Portage-la-Prairie for his absolute professionalism and his exceptional qualities as an officer of the graduating class. These attributes set the tone for his career with the RCAF.
Capt Edwards continues her career as a helicopter pilot CH146 Griffon within the 427 Squadron special operations d’aviation (EOSA) in the Armed Forces Canadian (CAF). She is one of the few women to have completed the rigorous selection course and qualified as an aircraft commander in the special operations forces. She not only served as a pilot in her unit, but also as a flight safety officer, flight operations officer, and space liaison officer. She completed a Master of Science in Space Science while serving in these various roles and being deployed to 427 EOSA.
When we talk about her successes, the capt Edwards thanks her colleagues and superiors for mentoring her and helping her seize every opportunity that presented itself to her. When the opportunity to be part of Canada’s NASA space team arose, his supervisor 427e Squadron insisted that she apply for admission and offered to take over some of her many tasks so that she would have time to properly apply. That’s what she did…and it worked!
“Jeremy Hansen called me to the operations office, and everyone around the room went silent. moi »she remembers. « Il asked me if I wanted to work with him and the NASA team, and I responded with enthusiasm : “Of course oui!”. » It was only about three months between that call and her arrival in the field, during which time she completed her flight duties, transferred operational work, and found housing in Houston. She officially began her new role the day she showed up at NASA’s astronaut office and became the first-ever Canadian astronaut coordinating officer. This position leveraged all of the skills she learned as a pilot and allowed her to play a key role in improving the experience for Canadian astronauts and NASA.
“Our astronauts have been very supportive of us, and the Space Agency Canadian (ASC) and NASA gave me broad parameters to define my role “indicated the capt Edwards. « Nos Canadian astronauts enjoy an excellent reputation at NASA. In addition to the CSA’s robotics experts and liaison officers, Canadians are known for being hard-working and reliable. I am proud to be one of these people. »
In her role at NASA, she was able to broaden the scope of her influence and expand her knowledge. There capt Edwards is the first person other than an astronaut to serve as operations manager of NASA’s Astronaut Office. Recently, she qualified to serve as a CAPCOM (capsule communications person) in the Space Station Program. This is a discipline where the flight controller (mission control) “translated” what engineers say in astronaut language. She had to undergo training that lasted about a year alongside her many operational duties at NASA.
“Capt Edwards joined the Astronaut Office team a year ago and has done a phenomenal job in just a short time. temps »Jim said. « Vegas » Kelly, chief of crew operations for the Astronaut Office NASA. » She just completed her certification to become a CAPCOM, and she will be the liaison between Mission Control Center and our astronauts and cosmonauts in orbit. She is the first Canadian other than an astronaut to qualify for this position. Additionally, Erin also serves as an Operations Officer, being the Deputy Chief of Crew Operations for the Astronaut Office. She not only serves as our office manager, but is also central to scheduling administration, planning, training, operations and tests ». He added that« elle has quickly become an essential part of our operations daily. »
She insists she is simply doing the job she was asked to do. “It is strive to make improvements, build relationships and help my colleagues to succeed. »
She found the perfect solution after spotting a gap in the company’s multinational agreements. NASA : provide local training. In collaboration with his colleagues from the ARC of the 3rd School pilotage of the Canadian Forces, the capt Edwards ensured that Canadian astronaut Jenni Gibbons received advanced helicopter piloting training and hands-on experience to prepare for the complexities of landing on the Moon.
I never would have thought that the skills I learned over several years flying helicopters would be highly valued by the NASA »declared the capt Edwards. ” More As we prepare for a return to the Moon, we are using the helicopters to help train the Artemis generation to handle complex tasks like landings on the lunar surface. It is surprisingly relevant to work with difficult vertical references in austere environments like mountainous surfaces in the dead of night and to handle degraded visual environments like sand and snow. snow. »
His dedication does not go unnoticed. “When it comes to the space domain, we often have common priorities, but we also have common people. Capt Edwards is using her experience within the RCAF to make a difference to the CSA and the NASA »indicated the colonel Josh Kutryk, CAF and US astronautASC. » Her recent certification as a Space Station CAPCOM and the Elsie Award she received last September are a testament to her talent and efforts to advance our space program commun. »
When asked what she would like to do once her NASA assignment is over, the capt Edwards answers : “It is don’t yet know exactly what I want to do when I’m grande! ». What is certain is that she wants to continue to surpass herself and learn. In doing so, she also hopes to help others have experiences as extraordinary as those she has. experienced. » I have fun trying new and exciting things while trying to contribute to the well-being of Canada in the best way possible. Towards the stars to all fans of space! »
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