A scientific study of the problems of
digital engineering for space flight systems,
with a view to their practical solution.
2002 MAPLD
International Conference Panel
Wednesday Evening, September 11, 2002
Orlando Figueroa
Director, Mars Exploration Program Office, NASAMr. Figueroa was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico on September 9, 1955. He obtained a B.S. Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus in 1978, and completed multiple advanced studies in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Maryland.
In May 2001, Mr. Figueroa was appointed to the position of Director for the Mars Exploration Program in the Office of Space Science at NASA Headquarters. In this position he has overall responsibility for the robotic exploration of Mars.
His past experience includes the position of NASA Deputy Chief Engineer for Systems Engineering, and 22 years at the Goddard Space Flight Center. His career at the Goddard Space Flight Center included: Head of the Cryogenics Technology Section; manager for the Superfluid helium On Orbit Transfer (SHOOT) Shuttle Experiment; Manager for the Small Explorers (SMEX) project; manager for the Explorers Program; and Director of the Systems, Technology and Advanced Concepts Directorate.
Throughout his career, Mr. Figueroa has received numerous awards for Group Achievement and Outstanding Performance in engineering and management. He was awarded the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal in March 1993 for the management of the SMEX Project during the successful development and launch of the Solar Anomalous and Magnetospheric Particle Explorer. In 1994, he received the Community Stars Award from the Maryland Science Commission for his work and support of innovative education programs between NASA, industry and Maryland Schools. He is the author of several technical publications in the field of cryogenics and the SMEX missions.
Mr. Figueroa lives in Silver Spring, Maryland, with his wife, Josephine, and two sons, Daniel and Alexis.
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