Janet Petro: Honoring Our Commitment to Safety on Day of Remembrance

Keith’s note: This was sent out to NASA employees. Note the way that Janet Petro signed this – with a standard “Embrace the Challenge.” closing. This was not on her earlier DEI memo. Just sayin’. Full text below.

Honoring Our Commitment to Safety on Day of Remembrance

This week, we pause to observe NASA’s annual Day of Remembrance – a day to honor the courage and dedication of the brave men and women who gave their lives in the pursuit of exploration and discovery for the benefit of all humanity. Their sacrifices remind us of the profound responsibility we carry in our mission and the vital importance of safety as one of NASA’s core values.

At NASA, safety is not just a protocol – it is embedded in who we are. It governs how we work, protects our workforce, astronauts, and the surrounding community, and ensures the integrity of our endeavors. As we develop the systems and technologies for humanity’s next steps to the Moon and Mars through Artemis, sustain groundbreaking science aboard the International Space Station and throughout the solar system, and work toward quiet supersonic flight with the X-59, we must carry the lessons of the past forward with us. These lessons are fundamental to ensuring safety and mission success as we reach new heights.

As part of our observance, the NASA Safety Center has developed a new SATERN training course titled “Empowering Technical Authority and Embracing Formal Dissent.” This course will be assigned to all civil servants beginning February 3 and focuses on the role of technical authority and formal dissent in fostering a strong, data-driven safety culture. These processes, rooted in the hard lessons of the Columbia tragedy, provide essential checks and balances that ensure every voice is heard, every concern is addressed, and every decision prioritizes safety and mission success. I encourage you to engage fully with this training – it is through such practices that we honor those we have lost and ensure the safety of those who carry our mission forward.

I recognize we are navigating a time of significant change, with new executive orders and priorities shaping our work as an agency. However, I ask that, for a moment, we pause. This Day of Remembrance is an opportunity to focus on the values and sacrifices that unite us as one NASA family. Let us take time to reflect on why we do what we do, the people who make it possible, and the legacy of those who came before us.

Thank you for your dedication, resilience, and commitment to NASA’s mission. Together, we will continue to honor the past, meet the challenges of today, and ensure a safe and inspiring future for all.

Embrace the Challenge.

Janet Petro