Jennifer Lyons named acting manager of NASA Launch Services Program

NASA has appointed Jennifer Lyons as the acting program manager of its Launch Services Program (LSP) based at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Effective April 1, Lyons will oversee the acquisition and management of commercial launch services for NASA’s science and robotic missions, guiding spacecraft from planning stages through launch and mission completion.

Lyons brings almost 40 years of experience in aerospace operations and program leadership, having worked extensively with launch vehicles for nearly two decades. Prior to this role, she served as deputy program manager for LSP and held a leadership position in the Gateway Program’s Deep Space Logistics project. Her expertise spans launch vehicle readiness, certification, and mission assurance across various commercial rockets supporting NASA’s extensive mission portfolio.

Jennifer Lyons' role in NASA Launch Services Program

Bradley Smith, director of NASA’s Launch Services Office, highlighted Lyons' vast experience across NASA programs-including the space shuttle, International Space Station, and Commercial Crew initiatives-and her strong track record in ensuring flight readiness and mission success. These qualifications are important as LSP supports not only science and robotic missions but also plays a critical role within NASA’s Artemis lunar exploration efforts.

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Jennifer Lyons' career milestones and expertise

Lyons' career is marked by several milestones: she was the first woman to act as NASA convoy commander for a space shuttle landing and has chaired important evaluation boards instrumental in awarding contracts that underpin many of NASA’s high-priority missions. She holds degrees in aerospace engineering, ocean engineering, space technology, and engineering management.

Leadership transition in NASA Launch Services Program

She succeeds Albert Sierra, who retired after 36 years with NASA, during which he led LSP through a period of active launching activity encompassing five major missions and numerous smaller ventures, including Earth observation satellites and deep-space probes. Sierra expressed confidence that Lyons will maintain the program’s impressive record of mission success.

NASA Launch Services Program’s commercial launch achievements

With more than 100 successful launches on 15 different commercial rockets, LSP acts as a vital link between NASA’s spacecraft and the commercial launch vehicles best suited for each mission. Lyons' appointment points to continuity in NASA’s approach to partnering with commercial providers to expand humanity’s reach across the solar system and deepen our understanding of the universe.