[meteorite-list] Investing in Technology to Enable the Future: NASA Creates Space Technology Mission Directorate

From: Ron Baalke <baalke_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Thu, 21 Feb 2013 13:27:27 -0800 (PST)
Message-ID: <201302212127.r1LLRRRo000459_at_zagami.jpl.nasa.gov>

Feb. 21, 2013

David E. Steitz
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1730
david.steitz at nasa.gov

RELEASE: 13-058

INVESTING IN TECHNOLOGY TO ENABLE THE FUTURE: NASA CREATES SPACE TECHNOLOGY MISSION DIRECTORATE

WASHINGTON -- 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.

For more information about NASA's Space Technology Mission
Directorate, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/spacetech

-end-
Received on Thu 21 Feb 2013 04:27:27 PM PST


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