posted 12-07-2021 03:04 PM               

NASA Administrator Pays Tribute to Senior Advisor Mark Geyer

The following is a statement from NASA Administrator Bill Nelson on the passing of Mark Geyer, senior advisor to associate administrator Bob Cabana, and former center director at the agency's Johnson Space Center in Houston:

"Today, we mourn the loss of a giant for human spaceflight and a beloved member of the NASA family: former Johnson Space Center Director Mark Geyer. I offer my deepest condolences to Mark's wife, Jackie, his three children, and the entire Geyer family.

"Like so many Americans, Mark spent his childhood watching the Gemini and Apollo missions. It inspired him to join NASA. It is difficult to overstate the difference he made.

Under Mark's leadership, Johnson Space Center moved the United States into a new era of human space exploration. In fact, more human spaceflight programs were led from Houston during his tenure than ever before.

"That's because Mark personified the American character, believing we should constantly venture farther into the cosmos for the benefit of humanity. It's not an exaggeration to say Mark's legacy will be realized for generations to come at the agency he loved so dearly. When NASA astronauts return to the Moon under Artemis, and ultimately prepares for human missions to Mars, this new generation of explorers and adventurers will be guided by Mark's spirit.

"Mark Geyer shaped history. He strengthened this agency and the bonds of our NASA family. We will miss this champion for exploration and forever be grateful for his service."

Mark S. Geyer was born November 29, 1958 in Indianapolis Indiana. He received a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from Purdue University in 1982 and a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering from Purdue University in 1983.

Before joining NASA in 1990, Geyer worked at the Lockheed Missiles and Space Corporation in Sunnyvale, California, as a system engineer supporting the Lunar and Mars Exploration Office.

Geyer joined the International Space Station Program in 1994 and has served in various capacities. His contributions at NASA have included, Program Manager, MPCV Orion; Deputy Manager - Constellation Program; Manager, System Engineering and Integration for the Development Program Division of the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate; Manager of the Program Integration Office, lead of the System Integration and Analysis Office, Increment Manager and Manager for the Russian Elements, within the International Space Station Program.

Mark Geyer has received numerous honors and awards including, NASA Exceptional Service Medal, 2000; Space Flight Awareness Leadership Award, 2003; NASA Commendation Award, 2011; Nominee, Federal Engineer of the Year Ward, 2012.