Granville’s own Barbara Hilton returned to Illinois Valley Community College with an out-of-this-world perspective. Now a NASA program executive, Hilton captivated audiences as she spoke about her journey from a local student to leading roles within America’s space agency. She shared stories from her work at summer space camps and detailed the excitement surrounding NASA’s Dragonfly mission set for Saturn’s moon Titan. Hilton underscored the need for young minds to fuel the future of science and engineering, urging students to aim high and reach for the stars. Her visit inspired many to consider careers in space exploration.
Hilton says the best part of her job is watching rockets launch into space, but she is as awed by what comes back to Earth as by what leaves Earth. “Each mission helps the next mission get better and produce more science.”
Hilton just always knew she wanted to work in space. “That was the coolest thing in the world to me. I loved math and physics and anything space related.”
Hilton highlighted her hands-on involvement in spacecraft design, construction, and launches. She spoke passionately about her current role: leading the upcoming Dragonfly mission, which will send a robotic rotorcraft to Saturn’s moon, Titan. Set to launch in 2028, Dragonfly aims to explore Titan’s surface and collect samples, deepening our understanding of planetary science and Earth’s origins. Hilton encouraged students to embrace science and engineering, emphasizing that the mysteries of space mean possibilities are truly unlimited.
She expected she might one day be teaching astronauts, but she never wanted to be one. She’s satisfied that her technology can take her farther than manned flight has gone or is likely to go. “I can take a robot anywhere in the universe. It becomes my eyes and ears to places a human will never see.”
Hilton splits her time between Virginia and Granville, balancing motherhood and community service. At home, she nurtures her love of gardening and leads her daughter Jadzia’s Scout troop, striving to set a positive example. In Granville, Hilton dedicates hours to remodeling her family home and volunteers at IVCC summer camps while also presenting to local audiences. She believes demonstrating her passion for her work is a powerful lesson for her daughter, showing that giving back can be both fulfilling and fun. Through her efforts, Hilton embodies the values she hopes to pass on to the next generation.
“I want to show my daughter that when you do something you enjoy, there are ways to share it and give back. When she was little, my job was just a job. Now she is realizing that Mommy has a cool job that is actually fun!”