Olga González-Sanabria

Astronauts orbit in and out of sunlight 16 times a day. And for nearly 20 years, they relied on a battery built by a Puerto Rican engineer.

Olga González-Sanabria was born and raised in Patillas, Puerto Rico.

She earned her BS in chemical engineering.

Got her master’s in chemical engineering at the University of Toledo.

And in 1979, joined NASA’s Glenn Research Center.

Where she stayed for 32 years.

Her biggest contribution: developing the Long Cycle-Life Nickel-Hydrogen Battery, a power source that became essential for the ISS.

Before this, nickel-hydrogen cells weren’t stable enough for long missions.

Her team advanced the separator technology inside the batteries, reducing voltage loss and extending lifespan.

The result: a battery that could handle 40,000+ charge cycles, last 10-15 years, and power the station every time it passed through Earth’s shadow.

Olga also:
– Led the implementation of ISO 9000 at Glenn
– Directed the entire Engineering Directorate (the largest unit at Glenn, with 650+ engineers, techs, pilots, and staff)
– Was responsible for Plum Brook Station, NASA’s 6,400-acre testing site

In 2002, she became the highest-ranking Hispanic at NASA Glenn.

And the first Latina there to join the Senior Executive Service.

Awards followed: NASA Exceptional Service Medal, Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame, Presidential Rank of Meritorious Executive, and NASA Glenn Hall of Fame.

She co-authored 30+ technical papers.

Holds a patent on battery separator tech.

And even worked on energy systems for Mars rover prototypes.

Her batteries powered the ISS for nearly two decades, and weren’t replaced until 2017.

After retiring from NASA in 2011, she founded GX Matrix Consulting, where she still works today.

Her advice to her younger self?

Be more assertive. Document your progress and achievements. It will help you move up the ladder and remind you that you’re contributing to the mission.