Audiologist and Army officer, Dr. Kelly Linton, ensures astronaut readiness for NASA’s Artemis Moon mission, linking local expertise with global space exploration.
FORT SMITH, Ark. — Dr. Kelley Linton, a local audiologist and active Army officer, is playing a key role in NASA’s Artemis program, the agency’s next human spaceflight mission to the Moon.
As a supervisor at Kennedy Space Center, Linton reviews critical hearing test results for astronauts, engineers, and scientists, making sure they’re safe and ready to launch.
The mission aims to make life sustainable on the Moon, with plans to grow plants, take samples, and build infrastructure.
For Linton, it’s a full-circle moment. She remembers sitting in school, glued to a classroom TV, watching rocket launches in awe.
“I have a deeper appreciation for the space program. It’s fascinating and incredible what’s in our future,” Dr. Linton said.
When asked if she’s ready to go to space herself, Linton laughs and says, “Absolutely not.”
Her best work, she says, is right here on the ground.
Though the mission is headed to space, its roots are right here in the River Valley, where Dr. Kelley Linton’s expertise is helping power NASA’s return to the Moon.