Louisiana State University graduate student John Hughes is contributing to NASA’s Artemis II mission by working as a Film and Video Librarian at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, according to an April 14 announcement. Hughes is pursuing a dual degree in Library & Information Science and Archival Studies at LSU while maintaining his full-time role at NASA.
Hughes’s involvement in the Artemis II mission centers on cataloging and archiving thousands of photos and videos generated during the spacecraft’s journey. “My official title here at NASA is Film & Video Librarian. While Artemis is on its 10-day mission, we receive thousands of photos and videos every day,” Hughes said. He explained that imagery from external cameras on the Orion spacecraft, internal communication footage, and crew-taken photographs are all processed for educational use, public access, research studies, documentaries, and future needs.
Balancing academic responsibilities with his work at NASA has been made possible by support from LSU’s Pinkie Gordon Lane Graduate School. “The flexibility that LSU provides its students is really the only reason I’ve been able to pursue my degree at all while being a part of the team here at NASA,” Hughes said. He noted that he was able to take time off from classes during critical phases of the Artemis II schedule without interrupting his progress toward graduation.
Reflecting on how this experience shapes his education and career goals, Hughes said: “Artemis has only reassured me of my decision to pursue a master’s at LSU. Rounding out my film-focused education and background with the Information Science and Archival Studies aspects of the dual degree plan that LSU offers is only going to allow me to be better at the work I’m already lucky enough to be doing.”
Hughes described emotions surrounding launch day as both exciting and relieving due to years of effort by many contributors: “So many people have been working on this mission for years…to see it get off the ground was awesome.” He added that there remains a sense of awe among staff throughout each flight day.
Looking ahead beyond Artemis II, Hughes encouraged continued interest in space exploration: “There’s always something happening at NASA…if you find yourself with a new interest in science and space, we would love for you to stick around and keep watching and supporting.”
