Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Kathleen Harmon is the Artemis II mission interface manager responsible for NASA’s Deep Space Network, a global system of radio antennas that communicates with spacecraft across the solar system.
Managed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the Deep Space Network is the largest scientific telecommunications system in the world, supporting more than 40 deep space missions.
Harmon explained that the network has three evenly spaced complexes around the globe, enabling continuous spacecraft communication as Earth rotates. One complex is always in control during its daylight hours, an approach called "follow the Sun," ensuring consistent connectivity for spacecraft.
During Artemis II, the network supported the mission 24/7 with two antennas, maintaining communication while also connecting with various robotic rovers and orbiters.
In her role, Harmon prepares missions for launch and operations, coordinating with international partners to ensure network readiness. She draws on her extensive experience as a systems engineer and her work on NASA missions including Juno and Voyager.