Space Policy
I have explored my interests in space policy through an internship at NASA, in the classroom, and through engaging in the public comment process for agency rulemaking.
Katie Melbourne
James Webb Space Telescope
Systems Engineering
I helped commission the James Webb Space Telescope as a Wavefront Sensing Scientist at Ball Aerospace. I was on shift in the control room throughout the 24/7, 4-month mirror alignment process.
Graduate School
As an aerospace engineering masters student at CU Boulder, I built a wargame on cislunar operations while taking coursework on astrodynamics, algoirthm development, and project managment.
Aerospace Engineering and
Astrophysics Research
As a graduate research assistant, professional engineer, and undergraduate intern, I have gained essential technical skills that I will apply to all my future work.
Outreach and
Community Involvement
I am an active member of my community, supporting students in STEM, donating platelets, volunteering at events with local nonprofits, and previously helping with elder care and with trail reconstruction in Colorado.
Writing and Featured Articles
Explore recent publications and media
relevant to my mission in space.
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The Aerospace Corporation
The papers I write as an analyst at the Center for Space Policy and Strategy are primarily focused on space warfighting and international relations.
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Media and Publications
For external media mentions and a full list of publications, see the link above.
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The Astronomical Journal: November 2020
I published a first-author paper in The Astronomical Journal on my undergraduate research at NASA.
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CU Aerospace Feature: January 2022
I worked at Ball Aerospace full-time commissioning the James Webb Space Telescope while pursuing my graduate degree at CU part-time.
Get in touch
If you have any questions, ideas, or opportunities you would like to discuss, please feel free to leave me a message!