NASA Earth Scientist to Head Programs Office in Science Directorate

WASHINGTON, April 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Michael R. Luther has been
named deputy associate administrator for programs in NASA's Science Mission
Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Ed Weiler, associate
administrator for the directorate, made the announcement Wednesday.

Luther will be responsible for overseeing the safe and successful execution of
the directorate's 36 missions currently in formulation and development, as
well as 54 operating science missions. Prior to this appointment, Luther was
deputy director for programs in the Science Mission Directorate's Earth
Science Division.

"Mike brings an unprecedented amount of knowledge in overall science programs
along with extensive experience in Earth research. That experience will be
invaluable as we prepare for upcoming Earth-related launches and campaigns,"
said Weiler.

Luther began his tenure at NASA Headquarters in 1987 and has served as program
manager of the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite and Earth science flight
program director. He has worked at NASA since 1981 when he joined Langley
Research Center, Hampton, Va. In 2005, Luther received the NASA Outstanding
Leadership Medal.

"It is an honor and a privilege to assist Ed Weiler and Deputy Associate
Administrator Chuck Gay in managing the world's premier civilian space science
organization," Luther said. Luther's predecessor, Todd May, who served in the
position since 2007, will return to Marshall Space Flight Center in
Huntsville, Ala.

NASA's Science Mission Directorate conducts research and scientific programs
to observe the Earth, study space weather and explore the solar system and the
universe beyond. To achieve these scientific goals, NASA manages a diverse
constellation of spacecraft and conducts an assortment of grant-based research
programs.

For information about NASA and agency programs, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov

SOURCE NASA

Dwayne Brown of NASA Headquarters, Washington, +1-202-358-1726,
dwayne.c.brown@nasa.gov