NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Space Nuclear Propulsion Program

KBR Systems Engineer Sara Sumner was recently recognized with a corporate “One KBR” award for her outstanding contributions and efforts in support of the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Space Nuclear Propulsion (SNP) Program. Sumner serves as the Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations (DRACO) lead systems engineer managing the project’s systems engineering and team operations. Her efforts support NASA, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), as well as the contractor team to successfully design, develop and test the inaugural flight of the first nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) rocket engine in space planned for launch and use in 2027.

Sumner boasts over 20 years of expertise in systems engineering and technical management, bringing deep knowledge of vehicle integration and project leadership. Since joining KBR in 2021, she’s been instrumental in propelling NASA’s SNP program. Sumner’s impact throughout her career also extends to integrating RL10 engines, spearheading propulsion business development, contributing to human landing system crew module development, and leading Ares Vehicle Integration (AVI). She’s also empowered hundreds of systems engineers through training in model-based approaches. KBR is honored to have Sumner’s expertise and contributions at KBR, whose talent continues to drive success for both the company and NASA, especially on the pivotal DRACO mission.