Dr. Daniel E. Hastings Engineering B.A., Oxford University, 1976 M.S., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1978 Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1980

Daniel E. Hastings was born in Chardstock, Devon, U.K. and earned his undergraduate degree in mathematics at Oxford University. His graduate degrees were awarded by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, an M.S. in aeronautics and astronautics in 1978 and a Ph.D. in plasma physics in 1980. His research has focused on spacecraft-environmental interactions, space propulsion, space systems engineering, and space policy. He has published some 50 papers and a book in the field of spacecraft-environment interactions and several papers in space propulsion and space systems. He is widely recognized for his work on tethers, plasma conductors, and high voltage arching on solar arrays. He has led national studies on government investment in space technology, and his current research is concentrated in the areas of space systems and space policy. He is undertaking research efforts in new design paradigms for space systems, collaborating distributed satellite systems, changing the nature of the space economy, and strategic space policy.

From 1981 to 1985, Hastings worked as a research scientist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the fields of laser-material interactions and fusion plasma physics. He has some 30 publications in these areas.

Hastings joined the faculty of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1985 and has served as director of the Space Grant Program, associate department head for research in the Dept. of aeronautics and astronautics, and director of the Space Engineering Research Center. Currently, he is the Director of the Engineering Systems Division and a Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics and Engineering Systems.

As Chief Scientist of the Air Force from 1997 to 1999, Hasting served as chief scientific advisor to the Chief of Staff and Secretary of the Air Force. He provided assessments on a wide range of scientific and technical issues and led several influential studies examining where the Air Force should invest in space, global energy projection, and
options for a science and technology workforce for the 21st century.

Hastings is a fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and a member of the International Academy of Astronautics. He is serving as the chair of the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board.

Hastings has received numerous honors, including the Martin Marietta Superior Publication Award in 1988, MIT’s Black Achiever Award in 1992, the Air Force Distinguished Civilian Award in 1997 and again in 1999, and the National Guard Bureau Eagle Award in 1999.

Hastings was appointed to the National Science Board in 2002.

July 2004 (Revised December 2004)