From the Space Coast to SpaceX: A Student’s Launch Into Space Operations

Growing up near Florida’s Space Coast, rocket launches were part of everyday life for Sumer Hernandez (’26). The thunder of liftoff and the glow of engines cutting across the sky sparked a fascination that never faded. Inspired by her family’s aviation background and captivated by the Apollo and space shuttle programs, she set her sights on a future in aerospace.

Hernandez’s path to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Daytona Beach Campus was shaped long before she became a student. Her father is an alumnus, and childhood visits to homecomings and open houses left her fascinated by the campus, especially her first glimpse of the one-meter telescope.

“Those experiences made Embry-Riddle feel like home long before I enrolled,” she said. “Following in my dad’s footsteps made my choice even more special.”

Now pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Space Operations with minors in Project Management, Aerospace Life Sciences and Human Factors, Hernandez is turning that childhood curiosity into hands-on experience supporting space missions. 

Preparing for the Countdown

Her academic preparation started in high school through the Aerospace Career Academy dual-enrollment program at Atlantic High School in Port Orange, Florida. She earned a semester of college credit and gained early exposure to university-level coursework, including the opportunity to take the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) written exam for her private pilot license.

“That experience taught me how to manage college-level classes before I even started,” she said.

At Embry-Riddle, she found herself immersed in a culture driven by purpose. Students weren’t simply attending classes; they were preparing for careers as pilots, engineers and mission operators. The university’s proximity to the Space Coast reinforced that connection between classroom theory and launches happening just miles away.

A NASA Mission Concept Project Experience

As a sophomore, she was accepted into NASA’s L’Space Mission Concept Academy, a competitive program giving students experience in early-phase mission design.

Working with a team of about 10 students, she served as deputy project manager for a spacecraft concept designed to meet specific scientific objectives. The team progressed through the full mission design lifecycle, completing major deliverables including a Preliminary Design Review and Critical Design Review.

The experience culminated in presenting their final mission concept to NASA.

“Seeing how every subsystem connects — from propulsion to communications — completely changed how I think about space missions,” she said. “It’s not just about the idea. It’s about feasibility, cost, risk and execution.”

The academy sharpened her technical understanding while strengthening her leadership and communication skills.

On the Launch Line With SpaceX

During the summers of 2024 and 2025, Hernandez interned with SpaceX’s Launch Site Mission Management team in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

She supported active launch and satellite processing operations for multiple Dragon missions, including CRS-32, Axiom-4, CRS-33 and Crew-11. Her work contributed to both cargo and crewed flights, giving her firsthand exposure to the pace and precision required in human spaceflight.

“That moment put everything into perspective,” she said. “The work we do directly supports the safety and success of real people going to space.”

Beyond mission support, she worked to improve internal processes, developing a team guide, updating pad closeout procedures and organizing fueling data for consistency and accessibility.

“It showed me how much coordination happens behind the scenes,” she said. “Every checklist, every review, every data point matters.”

The internships reinforced her interest in operations: the fast-moving, detail-oriented work that ensures a launch succeeds long before the rocket leaves the pad.

Leading in Space, Labs and Student Government

On campus, Hernandez has embraced leadership. She helped grow the Society of Women in Space Exploration into an active organization — hosting industry speakers and regular events.

“Being part of this growth has been incredibly rewarding and has taught me how intentional leadership, consistency and community building can create a lasting impact,” Hernandez said.

In the Advanced Space Technologies Research and Applications (ASTRA) Lab, she contributed to projects including NASA Micro-g NExT and the NASA Human Lander Challenge, where she now serves as a team lead.

As chief of staff in Student Government, she learned the importance of organization, transparency and accountability. Hernandez shared, “I’ve genuinely enjoyed serving in Student Government, because we turn student voices into meaningful change.”

Each role strengthened her ability to manage teams, communicate clearly and balance complex projects, skills she applies both in the lab and at the launch site.

Looking Toward the Next Era

What excites her most about space operations is the rapid growth of the industry. With programs such as Starship, Artemis and New Glenn pushing new boundaries, she sees opportunity everywhere.

“Space is more active and accessible than ever before,” she said. “Being part of this generation of space exploration feels incredibly meaningful.”

From watching launches as a child to supporting them as a SpaceX intern, her journey reflects a simple truth. In her words: “If space excites you and you’re willing to put in the effort, there’s a place for you in this field!”