Cape Canaveral launch boss by night, single mom by day as Vulcan readies for liftoff

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. —

Capt. Crystal Salierno of the Space Force is tasked with protecting the vastness of space, ensuring its security because, as she said, "no one owns space."

The Space Force supports every military branch, ensuring the safety of rocket launches and protecting daily communications and internet access, which are vital for life on Earth.

Salierno emphasized the importance of these operations, saying, "Whether it be talking on your cell phone, sending messages, providing communication, all of that internet access, all that is being done from a space of protecting. That is a huge point of just continuing life as an American and life as humans on Earth."

From Kansas City to the Space Force

Salierno's commitment to protecting Americans began over 20 years ago when she joined the Air Force shortly after graduating high school in Kansas City, Missouri, due to financial constraints.

"I was originally from Kansas City, Missouri, so no money for college. And so I joined the Air Force like two weeks after graduating high school," she said.

After serving in the Air Force for 16 and a half years, Salierno was commissioned on the first board provided by the Space Force. "I was lucky enough to be commissioned on the first board that the Space Force provided. So I got my Master's in Aeronautical Science when I was a master sergeant, E-7, and then applied. And then now I'm here today as a captain," she said.

Running the launch control room — and parenting at home

Now a captain in the Space Force, Salierno runs the launch control room while also leading her son at home. "You know, it's hard being a single mom," she said, balancing the demanding hours of running launch operations, even at 1:30 in the morning, as the United Launch Alliance prepares to launch satellites into orbit for the Space Force.

Salierno described her experience as surreal, being part of a new military branch and finding their place. "It is surreal to be part of a new branch that, you know, we're getting our feet wet. We're finding our place in the military. And but the impact, you know, as I mentioned before, is just so, so vast," she said.

Loss and responsibility

After losing her husband to suicide, Salierno became her son's sole provider.

"We don't understand so much about why things happen. But no matter what, you keep pushing. And I wanted my son to see that," she said.

Salierno continues to pursue her dream of becoming an astronaut, a position she has applied for three times.

"But I'm a living proof that you can have a dream as even a 12-year-old little girl. And at 38 years old, you can be standing right here and make that dream happen," she said.

As Capt. Salierno ensures the safety of the Vulcan rocket launch, a mission years in the making; she remains committed to her dreams. "Just never, ever give up on your dreams," she said, believing that one day, she will land among the stars.

If you or someone you know needs help, you can talk with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or sending a text message to 988, or you can chat online here.

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