NASA is reorganizing a portfolio of about $600 million in space technology development projects into a new Space Technology Mission Directorate.
Michael Gazarik, former director of NASA’s Space Technology Program under agency Chief Technologist Mason Peck, will lead the new directorate.
Peck, a Cornell University professor on loan to NASA through an interagency personnel agreement, will remain the agency’s top technology adviser. James Reuther, previously deputy director of the Space Technology Program, will continue as Gazarik’s No. 2 under the new structure.
The new directorate “will do technology research and development, from early technology readiness levels through flight tests,” NASA spokesman David Steitz said. “They will manage programs that create the new crosscutting technologies and innovation needed to enable future missions.”
Steitz said Peck will continue to serve as NASA Administrator Charles Bolden’s adviser on technology across agency mission directorates and strategic planning for technology. “Gazarik’s Space Technology Mission Directorate will oversee space technology programs,” he said.
Previously, these responsibilities rested solely with the NASA chief technologist.
