NASA Celebrates Hispanic Heritage: Introducing Manuel Retana

Manuel Retana’s Journey: From Immigrant Teen to NASA’s Space Exploration Pioneer

Manuel Retana arrived in the United States at the age of 15, without the ability to speak English and carrying only a dream and $200. Today, Retana plays a pivotal role in developing life support systems for spacecraft destined for the Moon and, eventually, Mars, marking a significant milestone in the next era of space exploration.

As a project manager at NASA’s Johnson Space Center Life Support Systems Branch in Houston, Retana is instrumental in ensuring astronaut safety aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and forthcoming Artemis missions. His responsibilities include monitoring technical issues in orbit, managing the financial and scheduling aspects of flight projects, and providing emergency hardware solutions.

One of Retana’s most significant accomplishments was during the qualification of the Orion Smoke Eater Filter for the Artemis II and III missions. This filter is crucial for removing hazardous gases and particulates from the crew cabin in case of a fire inside the spacecraft. Retana was responsible for developing a cost-effective test rig, a critical component to ensure the filter’s safety for flight.

Retana’s guiding principle is straightforward: “Rockets do not build themselves. People build rockets, and your ability to work with people will define how well your rocket is built.”

Throughout his career, Retana has refined his soft skills—such as communication, leadership, collaboration, and conflict resolution—to create an environment conducive to success. He encourages his colleagues to learn new languages and share their unique perspectives. In fact, he founded NASA’s first Mariachi ensemble, allowing him to share his cultural heritage at work.

Retana firmly believes that diversity of thought is essential for solving complex challenges and fostering an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas.

“You need to be humble and have a willingness to always be learning,” he said. “What makes a strong team is the fact that not everyone thinks the same way.”

Looking ahead, Retana is enthusiastic about the democratization of space, envisioning a future where every country has the opportunity to explore. He is eager to see humanity reach the Moon, Mars, and beyond, driven by the quest to answer the universe’s most profound questions.

To the Artemis Generation, he advises, “Never lose hope, and it is never too late to start following your dreams, no matter how far you are.”

Retana’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, diversity, and continuous learning. His journey from a non-English-speaking immigrant teenager to a key player at NASA underscores the endless possibilities that lie ahead for those willing to dream big and work hard. As we look to the future of space exploration, Retana’s contributions and philosophy will undoubtedly serve as an inspiration for many.

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