The NASA PI Launchpad

After experiencing how inaccessible applying for a NASA Space Mission was firsthand, Professor Erika Hamden decided to organize a yearly three-day conference. At the PI Launchpad, participants of diverse backgrounds could learn about the process, network with NASA and industry partners, and workshop the skills they need to get their mission ideas off the ground.

Movement’s role in this multi-organizational partnership was to ensure an equitable recruitment and engagement process from start to finish. Below is an overview of the steps taken and processes created.

Biweekly Consultation 

The Movement team worked with NASA employees, Professor Hamden, and participating industry partners to give specific, iterative feedback on participant recruitment, accessibility practices for workshop delivery, virtual accommodations for participants, and much more.

Solicitation

Movement created an equity-centered application process. We developed application questions and a rubric that weighted applicants' disposition to collaborate and build relationships, lived experience, and historically-marginalized recruitment pipelines differently from privileged, heritage academics to ensure a diverse pool of participants. This leveled the opportunity field.

Evaluation and Feedback

Movement designed a unique survey and gave it to participants at the start and completion of PI Launchpad to obtain direct feedback on their experience. We gathered findings that allowed us to give a holistic assessment on NASA’s DEI Commitments, PI Launchpad’s efficacy in equity practices, and participants’ experience learning the tools, skills, frameworks, and relationships they need to move from concept idea to mission.

Results

• The Launchpad exceeded participant expectations in several ways, especially in terms of networking, gaining the confidence to submit proposals, and demystifying the process

• 93% of participants said that the Launchpad was a good use of their time

• 86% of participants reported feeling comfortable, welcome, heard, valued, and respected

• After the conclusion of the Launchpad, 93% of participants felt they knew the next steps they need to take to develop their mission, compared to 13% prior to the Launchpad

• Prior to the workshop, only 6 participants reported knowing someone in the industry that they felt comfortable asking to be on their team. After the workshop, this number increased to 26 participants.

• As a result of the Launchpad, 14 participants reported feeling comfortable obtaining institutional support, compared to only 3 participants prior to the Launchpad