Reid Wiseman, the commander of NASA’s Artemis II mission, has been appointed as the deputy director of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and associate vice president at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). The former astronaut and retired U.S. Navy captain will assume these leadership positions on November 30, 2026.
Wiseman joins the Pasadena-based center at a time when the laboratory is approaching its 90th anniversary. Caltech manages JPL for NASA, and the institution serves as the agency’s primary hub for robotic exploration and deep space research. In his new capacity, Wiseman will oversee strategic leadership, operational stewardship, and compliance for the federally funded research and development center.
Leadership at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory
As the deputy director, Wiseman will serve as the Center Management Authority for JPL mission execution. This role requires ensuring operational excellence across all mission support functions while adhering to strict NASA requirements and federal regulations. He will also act as the primary interface for national security programs associated with the laboratory.
Dave Gallagher, the director of JPL and Caltech vice president, emphasized the alignment between Wiseman’s background and the lab’s mission. Gallagher noted that Wiseman shares the institution’s drive for discovery and possesses the ability to lead teams through high-stakes operations. The appointment adds significant leadership depth to the current management team as the laboratory continues its work on interplanetary missions.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman praised Wiseman’s technical judgment and operational experience. Isaacman highlighted Wiseman’s role in the Artemis II test flight, which carried four astronauts farther from Earth than any humans have traveled before. The administrator stated that Wiseman’s transition to JPL allows him to continue contributing to NASA from a different vantage point, leveraging his expertise to push the boundaries of space exploration.
A Career in Space and Engineering
Wiseman’s path to JPL includes extensive experience in both spaceflight and engineering. He joined NASA’s astronaut corps in 2009 after completing a bachelor’s degree in computer and systems engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a master’s degree in systems engineering from Johns Hopkins University. His early career involved flying combat missions and serving as a test pilot in the U.S. Navy.
During his tenure as an astronaut, Wiseman served as a flight engineer aboard the International Space Station for the 165-day Expedition 41 mission in 2014. He also commanded NASA’s 21st Extreme Environment Mission Operations expedition in 2016, living in an underwater habitat for eight days to simulate space conditions. From December 2020 to November 2022, he served as NASA’s chief astronaut, overseeing crew flight readiness and safety for all human spaceflight missions.
Wiseman reflected on his transition from active spaceflight to laboratory leadership. He described the experience of seeing the Sun disappear behind the Moon during the Artemis II mission as a pivotal moment that inspired his desire to pursue further scientific achievements. He expressed enthusiasm about joining a team dedicated to expanding humanity’s understanding of the solar system and the universe.
Caltech President Ray Jayawardhana welcomed Wiseman to the institute, citing his pioneering spirit and curiosity as assets to the community. Jayawardhana stated that Wiseman’s perspective on human achievement aligns with Caltech’s mission to push the limits of exploration. The president indicated that he looks forward to working closely with Wiseman and JPL Director Dave Gallagher to chart the next era of the laboratory’s partnership with NASA.
Wiseman will begin his duties at JPL on November 30, 2026, bringing nearly two decades of service to the space agency and the military. His appointment marks a significant shift in leadership for one of the world’s most prominent space research facilities.
Source: NASA
