Did you know that the Moon has one of the harshest thermal environments in the solar system? Apparently, because of its lack of atmosphere, rotational period, and thermophysical properties, surface temperatures on the sun-lit side of the Moon can exceed 240℉. In contrast, temperatures on the dark side and in craters can plunge to -300℉! This is an interesting fact that I was unaware of regarding our Moon that I learned when interviewing Brian Langbein, a student in Cohort 40 who is currently doing a co-op at NASA.

Langbein is working at the Goddard Space Flight Center located in Greenbelt, MD. This location is centered around unmanned scientific missions – like the Hubble or James Webb Space Telescope. Currently, the QUESTee is working in the Thermal Engineering Branch on the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, an infrared space telescope set to launch in 2027, tentatively. 

Brian Langbein (Cohort 40) at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.

Specifically, Langbein’s team works to ensure that the sensitive technology in the telescope can withstand the intense thermal loads experienced in orbit over a million miles from Earth. Since every piece of technology has a temperature requirement to be able to function properly, this is imperative to the success of the infrared telescope. His job is to run thermal simulations, analyze test data, and generate temperature predictions to fine-tune the team’s spacecraft thermal model. 

Outside of his position, Langbein has the opportunity to talk with multiple professionals about their respective fields. It is a great way to learn more about space and the niche technology that goes into exploring it.

Langbein in protective equipment.

As for the future, Langbein hopes to continue his career at NASA and one day contribute to manned missions, such as the Artemis Project. This co-op is a way for him to learn and grow within NASA, so he can have an impact on as many NASA missions as he chooses to work on. Best of luck to Brian this semester as you complete your co-op!