INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A Purdue Alum now helps NASA bring astronauts home safely. Jason Endsley leads landing and recovery for the Artemis program.

Endsley spoke with WISH-TV Monday over Zoom about teamwork, nerves, and what comes next for NASA. Endsley told News 8 the work involved in an Artemis splashdown and how his team trained for every scenario possible.

“Sometimes we simulate equipment failing, even though it didn’t actually break, because we practice what would happen if there’s an equipment issue,” Endsley said.

Endsley was born and raised in Indiana and attended Purdue University where he earned a master’s degree during COVID. He says he always wanted to work for NASA.

“Born and raised in Indiana… I have always been a huge space nerd. I love everything about space ever since I was a kid,” Endsley said.

Purdue holds a deep connection to human spaceflight. 

“Astronauts have actually come from Purdue… The most famous, of course, is Neil Armstrong,” Endsley said.

Endsley leads recovery for Artemis II. He described a “good nervous feeling” before the big day and called meeting the astronauts after splashdown a highlight. He says teamwork drives every decision. “Priority number one is getting the crew out and making sure they’re back on board safely. Safety is number one,” Endsley said.

NASA continues to analyze data from Artemis II. Endsley says the moon serves as a critical test for deeper space travel. “The moon is an important stepping stone on the journey to Mars. So next is Artemis III,” Endsley said.

Endsley also praised the crew he helped recover.

“I only have great things to say about those astronauts. They are top-tier, smartest, and most caring people I’ve ever met. I truly was honored to meet them before their journey and shake their hands when they returned,” he said.

Endsley offers advice for Hoosiers who want to follow his path. He says chase the fun and the adventure, train constantly, and trust your team.