Sam O'Connor

 worked at the Space Defence Centre, was the Mission Controller for the Virgil, and Will Buckland's girlfriend.

Appearance
Sam was described as a woman in a white lab coat. Her smile was warm and genuine, and she had a firm handshake. (PROSE: At Childhood's End)

Personality
Sam refused to break any rules, but was not against finding loopholes in them. She was initiallly repulsed by the Squidget, but more interested in how it increased its mass. She was doubtful of Dorothy McShane's abilities, wanting her to have a medical examination before she went into space. (PROSE: At Childhood's End)

History
By January 2020, she was in a long-term relationship with Will Buckland, and worked with him on the Virgil. Will asked for her help in launching the probe so that it could get to the moon and explore the Transit Station that had appeared there before anyone else did. (PROSE: At Childhood's End)