On the Fastrac
Having a dad who works for NASA, a mom who is an engineer and growing up around the space program made Wendy Cruit's decision to become a NASA engineer a very natural one.
Cruit has quite an engineering legacy. But that's not why her career at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., is on the Fastrac. She works on the Fastrac engine -- a 60,000-pound-thrust engine that will power NASA's X-34 technology demonstrator.
A member of the Fastrac team since 1995, Cruit serves as the contact for hardware information, acts as backup team lead and is the test planner.
"I've watched the Fastrac engine go from paper, to being built and tested," said Cruit. "It's been a great project because I get to do what I love: working with dedicated people and innovative hardware."
Designed and developed at the Marshall Center, the Fastrac engine has the potential to dramatically reduce the cost of launch systems for space transportation.
"We've just started our test program," she said. "We're looking at ways to lower cost and make manufacturing of the engine easier while improving the performance of the engine.
"Every aspect of my job is challenging, but I wouldn't be happy if it wasn't," said Cruit. "I come to work excited everyday because there's always something to learn or a new goal to reach for."
Cruit considers her dad -- Steve Richards -- one of her greatest mentors. Richards has worked on many programs throughout his 23 years at NASA -- including managing the International Space Station propulsion module.
"My father has always provided encouragement and guidance while allowing me to make my own decisions -- both at work and at home, " she said. "His advice and my mother's inspiration have been invaluable to me"
Cruit began her career at the Marshall Center as a co-op student in 1990 and started full-time at the Center after receiving a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Alabama in Huntsville in 1992.
"As an engineer at MSFC, I have had many opportunities to learn and explore new areas of engineering." In addition to Fastrac, Cruit has worked in the areas of vibration and acoustic testing, welding, environmental engineering, hybrid propulsion, and on the Space Shuttle.
When she is not busy working on the Fastrac engine, Cruit spends time with her husband, Brian, volunteering for the Shriners Hospitals for Crippled and Burned Children and restoring antique furniture and clocks. She, her husband, their son and their animals live on a small farm in North Alabama.
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