A Huntsville technologist who spent nearly two decades helping advance NASA’s cutting-edge space technologies was part of a major Hollywood production — serving as an advisor on the blockbuster film, “Project Hail Mary.”
Niki Werkheiser, a longtime leader at NASA and former director of technology maturation, is credited among nine NASA advisors on the film, which stars Ryan Gosling and has grossed more than $500 million worldwide.
Werkheiser, who recently retired after nearly 20 years with NASA, was based for much of her career at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, where she helped lead efforts to develop technologies designed to support future space exploration — including systems aimed at enabling long-term human activity on the moon.
That work placed her at the intersection of science and engineering, a role she describes as a “technologist” focused on turning emerging ideas into real-world applications.
Her experience also positioned her to contribute to “Project Hail Mary,” a film based on the novel by Andy Weir. When the production team reached out to NASA, Werkheiser was among those selected to help ensure the film’s scientific elements felt grounded in reality.
“It was very important to them to try to be very authentic and true,” Werkheiser said of the filmmakers’ approach.
She met with the production team several times via video calls, offering insight into how astronauts move and operate in space — including the often-overlooked reality that microgravity takes time to adjust to, rather than appearing effortless on screen.
While her work on the film was limited to advisory discussions, Werkheiser said she appreciated the team’s curiosity and attention to detail.
Before stepping away from NASA earlier this year, Werkheiser also helped lead initiatives focused on lunar surface innovation, working with industry, academic institutions, and government partners to develop technologies needed for sustained space missions — as well as applications that benefit life on Earth.
Her broader career includes contributions to emerging capabilities such as in-space manufacturing and technologies that could support future missions tied to NASA’s Artemis II program, which has renewed global interest in lunar exploration.
After seeing “Project Hail Mary” in Huntsville, Werkheiser said she was impressed with how the film balanced scientific realism with storytelling.
“The story itself was very touching,” she said. “It was very humorous as well.”
Since retiring, Werkheiser has launched a consulting firm focused on continuing her work in lunar surface technology, carrying forward a career centered on helping transform ambitious ideas into practical solutions.
Sherri Blevins is a reporter for 256 Today.