As part of the Obama Administration's recognition of the critical role
that space technology and innovation will play in enabling both future
space missions and bettering life here on Earth, NASA Administrator
Charles Bolden has announced the creation of the Space Technology
Mission Directorate. The directorate will be a catalyst for the creation
of technologies and innovation needed to maintain NASA leadership in
space while also benefiting America's economy.
The Space
Technology Mission Directorate will develop the cross-cutting, advanced
and pioneering new technologies needed for NASA's current and future
missions, many of which also benefit America's aerospace industries,
other government agencies, and address national needs. NASA will focus
leadership responsibility for the existing Space Technology Program in
the mission directorate, improving communication, management and
accountability of critical technology investment activities across the
agency.
"A robust technology development program is vital to
reaching new heights in space -- and sending American astronauts to new
destinations like an asteroid and Mars," NASA Administrator Charles
Bolden said. "A top priority of NASA is to invest in cross-cutting,
transformational technologies. We focus on collaboration with industry
and academia that advances our nation's space exploration and science
goals while maintaining America's competitive edge in the new innovation
economy."
Associate Administrator Michael Gazarik will head
the organization. He previously served as the director of the Space
Technology Program within the Office of the Chief Technologist. Serving
as the Deputy Associate Administrator for Programs, James Reuther brings
years of expertise in technology development, research and project
management to oversee the nine programs within the mission directorate.
Reuther previously served as deputy director of the Space Technology
Program within the Office of the Chief Technologist. Dorothy Rasco,
formerly the business manager of the Space Shuttle Program and the
manager of the Space Shuttle Program Transition and Retirement, will
join the directorate as the Deputy Associate Administrator for
Management, assisting with the organizations strategic planning and
management.
The Space Technology Mission Directorate will
employ a portfolio approach, spanning a range of discipline areas and
technology readiness levels. Research and technology development will
take place within NASA centers, in academia, and industry, and leverage
collaboration with other government and international partners.
NASA's Chief Technologist Mason Peck serves as the NASA administrator's
principal advisor and advocate on matters concerning agencywide
technology policy and programs. Peck's office will lead NASA's
technology transfer and commercialization efforts, integrating,
tracking, and coordinating all of NASA's technology investments across
the agency. The Office of the Chief Technologist also will continue to
develop strategic innovative partnerships, manage agency-level
competitions and prize activities, as well as document and communicate
the societal impacts of the agency's technology efforts.
Source : NASA Press Release ( 21st Feb 2013 )
No comments:
Post a Comment