4 min read
As an adventurous individual, Becky Brocato, Ph.D., has a deep curiosity for understanding the conditions of the human body, especially as it pertains to spaceflight. This passion directly translates to her role at NASA, where Brocato serves as the Element Scientist in the Human Health Countermeasures division and oversees research that seeks to reduce medical risks that astronauts face from spaceflight, ensuring the continual health and safety of current and future NASA astronauts.
As part of the Human Research Program, the group strives to understand the physiological effects of spaceflight and develop strategies to mitigate any detrimental effects on human health and performance. For Brocato, her role presents the exciting opportunity to tangibly improve the lives of astronauts and actively contribute to the success of their missions.
"The thrill of my job comes from the sheer audacity of what we are undertaking-enabling humans to conquer the challenges of deep space," said Brocato. "I'm invested in ensuring our astronauts are not just prepared-but confident-as they tackle immense physical and mental demands."
Brocato attributes her early interest in flight and space research to her father and grandfather, who built a plane together when Brocato was younger. She recalls sitting in the plane's fuselage, pretending she was traveling the world.
"My dad was my childhood hero for opening my eyes to the skies," said Brocato. Fueled by this passion, she began her career as an aerospace engineer at the U.S. Army's Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona, where she tested parachutes for aerial delivery, including the parachute designed for NASA's X-38 crew return vehicle.
