What's Happening?
Derek Rutovic has been serving as the director of NASA's Airborne Science Program (ASP) since June 2025. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing the cost, schedule, and performance of aircraft used
by NASA to fulfill Earth Science airborne data collection requirements. His responsibilities include maintaining government-owned aircraft, enabling commercial aircraft vendors, and planning for future aircraft needs. Rutovic has a long history with NASA, having served as the ASP deputy director for five years and as an engineer and aircraft program manager at the NASA Johnson Space Center for nearly two decades. His career highlights include leading mechanical engineering projects and managing aircraft acquisitions, such as the Boeing 777 and multiple Gulfstreams.
Why It's Important?
The leadership of NASA's Airborne Science Program is crucial for advancing the agency's Earth Science missions. By managing the aircraft fleet effectively, Rutovic ensures that NASA can continue to collect vital data for climate research, environmental monitoring, and other scientific endeavors. His work supports the sustainability and modernization of NASA's airborne assets, which are essential for meeting future scientific and operational requirements. This role is significant as it directly impacts NASA's ability to conduct research that informs public policy and contributes to the global understanding of environmental changes.
