Andrea Marcum

Marc Reagan, born around 1967, is a key figure in NASA's Mission Operations at the Johnson Space Center. He leads the team responsible for training astronauts and developing complex simulations for the International Space Station (ISS). Reagan also serves as a Capcom, communicating directly with astronauts in orbit. His career includes significant involvement with international space agencies, particularly Russia, Japan, and Europe, and he is proficient in the Russian language.

Beyond space, Reagan has a deep connection to extreme environment operations, specifically NASA's NEEMO (NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations) program. He participated as an aquanaut in NEEMO 2 and later directed multiple NEEMO missions, which utilize the Aquarius underwater laboratory. This dual focus on space and undersea exploration stems from a childhood fascination with both frontiers. Reagan holds degrees in aerospace engineering from Texas A&M University and the University of Colorado Boulder.

As a Station Training Lead at NASA's Johnson Space Center, Marc Reagan oversees the development and execution of critical simulations for the International Space Station. His team prepares astronauts and flight controllers for the intricate tasks of ISS assembly and operations. Reagan's expertise extends to serving as a Capcom, the vital link between Mission Control and astronauts in space. He has been instrumental in training various ISS expedition crews and has played a significant role in collaborative efforts with international space partners, including the Russian, Japanese, and European Space Agencies, demonstrating proficiency in the Russian language.

Reagan's fascination with exploration extends to the underwater realm, fulfilling a childhood dream. He was a crew member on the NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations 2 (NEEMO 2) mission in 2002, living and working in the Aquarius underwater laboratory. He described the experience of becoming an aquanaut as joining an "exclusive club." Reagan was deeply involved in the NEEMO program from its early stages, volunteering to help establish it. He later served as Mission Director for numerous NEEMO missions, supporting vital research conducted in extreme undersea environments.

Marc Reagan's academic background is in aerospace engineering, holding a Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University, where he graduated summa cum laude, and a Master of Science from the University of Colorado Boulder, earned on a NASA Fellowship. His personal life reflects his adventurous spirit; he is a certified PADI diver with advanced certifications and an instrument-rated pilot. Reagan also enjoys recreational activities such as skiing and soccer. He is also a musician, playing keyboard and singing in a band composed of NASA colleagues called the "Rockit Scientists."

“I am excited about the opportunity to be a part of this 2nd NEEMO mission - this is such a rare and unique opportunity. To work and live in the sea for nine days will be the fulfillment of a dream for me.”

“At noon today ... we officially became aquanauts. Not 'certified trained as aquanauts,' not 'wannabe aquanauts,' but real aquanauts. Welcome to a pretty exclusive club. In case you were wondering, there is no door prize, but the job benefits are outstanding. Technically, the term aquanaut is limited to those who stay underwater for 24 hours or more.”