It was eight in the morning on May 1 when, more than 400 kilometers on the earth, two astronauts floated outside the International space Station (EEI). Meanwhile, from the Johnson Space Center, in Houston, a woman watched each movement with surgical precision. Diana Trujillo, NASA flight director, was in charge of the total supervision of the US number 93 walking.
Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, the astronauts assigned to the mission, faced critical tasks: to relocate a communications antenna and ensure a structure for new solar panels. In real time, Trujillo approved each maneuver. If something failed, it would be his voice that would give the order that would mark the course. Nothing could be random.
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The success was total. The walk concluded without setbacks and the station is now preparing to receive a significant increase in its energy capacity: 160 kilowatts to 215. A jump that will enhance its scientific and technical operations, thanks to the panels whose installation began under the direction of Trujillo.
From Colombia, its history resonates as an example of perseverance. At age 17, Diana emigrated to the United States without speaking English and paid for her studies cleaning houses. He studied at the University College and then at the University of Florida and the University of Maryland. Against all forecast, he made his way in NASA, first as an engineer and then as a key figure in missions to Mars, including their participation in the Curiosity and Perseverance projects.
Her career has led her to occupy high responsibility positions as a mission tactical head of the Rover Perseverance and leader of the group responsible for planning and executing critical sequences. He has also worked as Chief of Engineering Operations of Curiosity, demonstrating his technical capacity on multiple fronts.
In addition to his career in space, Trujillo has cultivated a firm commitment to scientific dissemination. It was the mind behind #JuntosPerseverethe first Spanish transmission of a planetary landing, which connected millions of Spanish speakers with the arrival of Perseverance to Mars.
On February 2, 2024, she officially became a flight director of NASA Johnson Space Center Mission Control Centeradding to a select group of just seven graduates that year. Since then, he leads global teams that make vital decisions for the safety of astronauts in space.
He is now trained to direct flight controllers, research experts and engineering and support personnel worldwide. Its role includes real -time decision making to maintain the safety of NASA astronauts in space.
The May 1 walk was his first great milestone in that role. And his work did not go unnoticed. The United States Embassy in Colombia celebrated its work with a public congratulation, highlighting its “determining leadership” in the success of the mission.
“We congratulate NASA’s Colombian flight director, Diana Trujillo, for directing her first space walk. Her leadership from NASA’s mission control contributed to the success of the mission outside the space station,” the embassy acknowledged.
Decorated in 2021 with the Stem award of the Foundation for Hispanic inheritance for its important role in LA mission of the Mars Perseverance 2020 from NASA, Diana Trujillo continues to ascend: neither space is its limit. That young caleña who dreamed with the stars not only reaches them: now, he also guides them.
