NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

The NASA Advisory Council provides the NASA Administrator with counsel and advice on programs and issues of importance to the Agency. The Council consists of eight committees, Aeronautics, Audit, Finance and Analysis, Commercial Space, Education and Public Outreach, Human Exploration and Operations, Information Technology Infrastructure, Science, and Technology and Innovation. Each committee conducts sessions throughout the year in an effort to gain a broad understanding of current NASA issues and future mission implementation plans. The committees then bring their proposed findings and recommendations to the full Council for deliberation and final decision on whether to send forward to the NASA Administrator.

The Council deliberates on topics raised by each committee and crosscutting issues in public sessions and presents its findings and recommendations to the NASA Administrator throughout the year.

The NASA Advisory Council held its second meeting of 2012 on July 25-27, 2012, at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD. Standing left to right are Mr. Christopher J. Scolese, Center Director, Goddard Space Flight Center, Dr. Steven Squyres (Chair), Dr. William Ballhaus, Mr. Richard Kohrs, Mr. William Campbell (representing Mr. Robert Hanisee). Seated left to right are Dr. Larry Smarr, Ms. Patti Grace Smith, Ms. Marion Blakey, Mr. Lars Perkins, Ms. Diane Rausch (Executive Director), Mr. David McComas (representing Dr. Wesley Huntress). Missing from photo are General Lester Lyles, Dr. Charles F. Kennel, NAC Ex Officio Members.