From Rocket City to the Artemis Generation: Lane Polak on Making NASA's Story Matter

Summary What does it take to help children see themselves in the story of space exploration? Lane Polak, a technical writer and strategic communications professional for NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) at Marshall Space Flight Center, joins Reading Inspires to talk about his unconventional path to NASA and the creative work behind making the Artemis program accessible to young readers. Lane explains how his background in writing, drawing, and neurodivergent creativity shaped his approach to outreach, why NASA needed materials designed for the youngest members of the Artemis generation, and how children’s books can turn technical achievement into curiosity, connection, and possibility. He also reflects on school visits, storytelling, and the questions every writer should ask: Why am I telling this story, why this way, and where do I want it to go? Chapters 0:00 — Meet Lane Polak and the Artemis generation1:00 — From Huntsville and creative writing to NASA2:20 — What strategic communications does for the SLS program3:25 — Making NASA’s mission understandable for young readers4:30 — Creating *Hooray for SLS* and pitching the idea at NASA8:00 — Writing children’s books that build connection and curiosity12:00 — School visits, author events, and questions from students20:00 — Storytelling, vulnerability, and finding your purpose32:15 — Why reading helps us connect with people and community Show Notes - Guest: Lane Polak, technical writer for NASA’s Space Launch System at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. - NASA profile: I Am Artemis — Lane Polak - Lane’s Reading Is Fundamental books: - Hooray for SLS - Our Friend Orion - There and Back with EGS - Lane is available for school visits. Contact: [russell.l.polak@nasa.gov](mailto:russell.l.polak@nasa.gov)