Helping To Build The Space Workforce

Heather Pringle has a background in technology, psychology and the military—and she calls on it all in her current position.

After more than three decades serving in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as major general, Pringle in 2023 became the CEO of the Space Foundation, a nonprofit based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Her mission: advocating for the global space ecosystem, most notably by building interest in joining the space workforce.

Pringle spoke with Women Leaders Connect about how her professional experiences converge in her post today, the work of the Space Foundation and the importance of collaboration.

You have some very intriguing degrees—human factors from the U.S. Air Force Academy and a doctorate in engineering psychology from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. Tell us how these degrees have helped you in your career.

I’ve often been asked about my engineering psychology degree. One of the most valuable aspects of these degrees is that they’ve given me a unique perspective on both the engineering and human sides of technology development.

Understanding not just the technical aspects of systems but also how humans interact with and use those systems has been crucial. The interplay between technology and human behavior is key to the success or failure of any system once it’s deployed.

Having a background in both technology and human psychology has allowed me to bridge these two fields, helping me translate between them and ensuring that systems are both technically sound and user-friendly.

Previously, you served as the commander and technology executive officer of the Air Force Research Laboratory, headquartered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. Tell us about your efforts there.

It was truly a privilege to serve there. What made the experience so rewarding was being part of one lab that serves both the Air Force and the Space Force. The collaborative nature of the lab, with its talented team, was key to driving forward the technological advancements we made.

While I left the lab in 2023, I’m confident that the team has continued on an incredible trajectory and is undoubtedly light years ahead of where they were at the time of my departure. It was their dedication and expertise that made the technology happen, and I have no doubt they are continuing to excel.

Since joining Space Foundation in July 2023, how have you advanced the organization’s mission to strengthen partnerships while developing the space workforce pipeline?

I have had the privilege of working with an incredible team to advance the organization’s mission. With 40 years of leadership experience in the space ecosystem, joining Space Foundation felt like the perfect fit.

My focus has been on continuing the path of success that Space Foundation established, particularly by strengthening our Washington, D.C., operations. We’ve made a deliberate effort to build and expand relationships across the various entities contributing to space—military, civil government, interagency, industry and international allies. Washington has been a key hub for these activities, and we’ve worked diligently to foster a collaborative environment and grow the space ecosystem there.

Additionally, through our partnership with The Aerospace Corporation, we’ve launched initiatives like Space Workforce for Tomorrow. This program is designed to address the growing need for space talent by focusing on the pipeline for future leaders in the industry.

We’ve contributed to this effort through programs such as the National Space Internship Program and National Space Day, which takes place each year on the first Friday in May. These initiatives are central to ensuring the development of a strong and diverse space workforce.

What’s the future for Space Foundation?

The future for Space Foundation is incredibly bright. We just celebrated our 40th anniversary and just hosted our 40th annual global gathering—Space Symposium—in Colorado Springs. As we continue to deliver excellence in collaboration, information and education, we’re seeing a growing impact, particularly in the educational realm.

We’re expanding nationally and focusing on growing the STEM pipeline for the space workforce. Our efforts to bring the entire space community together are increasing as well, far beyond our annual conference.

Every day, we’re working on initiatives that advance the space ecosystem and unite key players across the industry. The trajectory ahead is filled with exciting opportunities for growth and collaboration.