President Trump has nominated an Imperial visiting professor to oversee over $25 billion funding for NASA missions including to the Moon and Mars.
Dr Greg Autry, visiting professor at Imperial College London’s Institute for Security Science and Technology (ISST), is an expert in the commercialisation of space and space policy.
Dr Autry has been nominated to the position of NASA Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The NASA CFO is responsible for executing more than $25 billion in agency funding across a variety of missions, including the Moon and Mars.
Dr Greg Autry says:
“I am honoured to receive this nomination to serve as CFO for NASA from President Trump, and if confirmed, I look forward to putting my experience and knowledge to use in maximising the opportunities at hand.
“We are headed to Mars sooner rather than later. I believe we will see people permanently living and working in space and using lunar resources for in-space manufacturing. Researchers will be working on commercial space stations.
“As a world-leading STEM university, it's fantastic to see Imperial continuing to drive forward cutting-edge research and innovation with its American partners. Through a shared commitment for world-leading science, we're able to positively impact society today and for the future.”
Dr Autry’s nomination is one of many new science and technology appointments put forward by the President for the US Senate to confirm.
Professor Washington Ochieng, interim director of the ISST, says:
“Space has long been a research priority at Imperial. Alongside the Institute for Security Science and Technology, we are proud to house the UK's leading Aeronautics department and the Space Lab, which brings together internationally renowned academics to cement our role as a key partner for industry and government.
“As visiting professor, Dr Greg Autry has provided expert guidance and support; we are very fortunate to have learnt from his space industry experience and knowledge.
“We wish Greg the very best in the coming months as the nomination process progresses.”
Janet Petro, NASA acting Administrator, says:
“With his previous experience as the White House liaison during President Trump’s first administration, as well as his extensive experience in space policy, I look forward to welcoming Greg as our next CFO.
“If confirmed, we will work together with the current Trump Administration to ensure NASA’s success in maximizing efficiencies, refining our processes, and remaining effective stewards of every tax dollar invested in our agency.”
Dr Autry’s previous roles include serving on the NASA agency review team and White House liaison at NASA during President Trump’s first term in office. He has also served on the Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee (COMSTAC) at the Federal Aviation Administration and is the vice president of the National Space Society. As well as being a visiting professor at Imperial, he holds the position of Associate Provost for Space Commercialization and Strategy at the University of Central Florida.
The ISST is one of Imperial’s Global Challenge Institutes and is the university’s hub for security research and engagement. The ISST works alongside government, industry and other academic institutions with the aim of creating a more secure and resilient world.
The USA is one of Imperial’s most important and longstanding collaborators and through Imperial Global USA, we are strengthening our connections across academia, industry, the innovation community, and representatives across state and federal government.
Article text (excluding photos or graphics) © Imperial College London.
Photos and graphics subject to third party copyright used with permission or © Imperial College London.
Reporter
Anissa Alifandi
Institute for Security Science & Technology
