Audrey Powers

Audrey Powers received a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical and astronautical engineering in 1999. She started her career at NASA, where she worked on the International Space Station (ISS) Program, accumulating more than 2,000 hours in Mission Control. Powers later transitioned to Lockheed Martin, focusing on government satellite programs, while also pursuing a law degree at Santa Clara University. Upon completing her legal studies, Powers joined Blue Origin in 2013 as vice president of Legal & Compliance. In this role, she handled regulatory affairs, legislative and policy matters, and supplier and customer negotiations. In June 2021, Powers became vice president of New Shepard Mission & Flight Operations at Blue Origin, overseeing flight operations, vehicle maintenance, and launch infrastructure. On Oct. 13, 2021, she accompanied 90-year-old William Shatner, known as Star Trek’s “Captain Kirk,” and two others aboard Mission NS-18 – an 11-minute trip to space. This made her the 27th Purdue graduate to enter outer space. Purdue presented her with an Outstanding Aerospace Engineer Award in 2021.