Mr. Michael R. Luther, Deputy Associate Administrator for Programs
Mr. Luther has over 39 years of industry and government experience in the development and management of space based scientific remote sensing systems. He spent 12 years in industry prior to his 27 years of government service with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). He joined NASA’s Langley Research Center in January, 1981 for the development, launch and early mission operations of a series of Earth remote sensing instruments. Since joining NASA Headquarters in 1987, Mr. Luther has held a series of positions with increasing responsibilities including Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite Program Manager, Earth Science Division Flight Program Director, Deputy Associate Administrator in the Office of Earth Science and Deputy Associate Administrator for Programs in the Science Mission Directorate (SMD). In the course of his career, Mr. Luther has been responsible for the development and launch of more than 50 successful remote sensing spacecraft and Space Shuttle payloads.
Mr. Luther has received Distinguished (2002) and Meritorious (1998) Presidential Rank Awards in recognition of his managerial and leadership skills. He received the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal in 2005, the NASA Exceptional Service Medal in 1992 and the NASA Medal for Exceptional Engineering Achievement in 1985. He attended the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government in the fall of 1990 as a Senior Executive fellow. Mr. Luther received his B. S. degree in mathematics from Birmingham-Southern College in 1967, and his M.S. degree in applied mathematics from Auburn University in 1969.
Mr. Luther lives with his wife, Judy, in Takoma Park, Maryland. They have grown son Matthew living in Wisconsin.