posted 02-12-2015 07:14 PM               

NASA Glenn Names Astronaut Dr. Janet L. Kavandi as Deputy Director

NASA's Glenn Research Center Director Jim Free has appointed NASA astronaut Dr. Janet L. Kavandi as the next deputy director of the Glenn Center in Cleveland. Kavandi, a veteran of three shuttle missions, served most recently as the deputy director of the Health and Human Performance Directorate at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. She will succeed Gregory Robinson, who was named deputy associate administrator for programs for the agency's Science Mission Directorate.

"Janet's experience as a researcher and power system developer, along with her distinguished career as an astronaut and senior manager at Johnson, will be invaluable to Glenn's management team as we continue our support of the Orion spacecraft program," said Free. "I look forward to her advice, ideas and leadership in this area, as well as those focused on new opportunities in aeronautics and spaceflight research and development."

Kavandi will assume duties as deputy director in early March. She will share with the center director responsibility for planning, organizing and managing the agency level programs and projects assigned to the center.

NASA selected Kavandi as an astronaut candidate in December 1994. Following an initial year of training, she was assigned to the Payloads and Habitability Branch where she supported payload integration for the International Space Station. She served on the crew of three space flights, STS-91, STS-99 and STS-104, and has logged more than 33 days in space, traveling more than 13.1 million miles in 535 Earth orbits. She became deputy director of Flight Crew Operations at Johnson in January 2008, director of Flight Crew Operations in March 2011 and deputy director of the Health and Human Performance Directorate in August 2014.

Kavandi received a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Missouri Southern State College in Joplin, a Master of Science degree in chemistry from the University of Missouri-Rolla and her doctorate in analytical chemistry from the University of Washington in Seattle.

posted 03-14-2016 12:53 PM               

Kavandi to Succeed Free as Glenn Research Center Director

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden has named former astronaut Janet Kavandi director of the agency's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. Kavandi has been serving as Glenn's deputy director since February 2015. She succeeds Jim Free, who was named deputy associate administrator for technical in the agency's Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate in Washington. The appointments are effective Monday.

As director, Kavandi will lead a center that has a decades-long tradition of excellence in aeronautics and spaceflight, with more than 3,200 civil service and contractor employees and an annual budget of approximately $580 million.

"Janet has demonstrated extraordinary leadership throughout her NASA career, from her spaceflights to her continued dedication to our mission at the Johnson Space Center and Glenn," said NASA Administrator Charles Bolden. "I know she'll bring that same excellence to bear on Glenn's critical role in our journey to Mars. I also thank Jim Free for his service as the head of this important center and look forward to his contributions in human space exploration."

Kavandi was selected as an astronaut in December 1994. During her time in the Astronaut Office at Johnson, she supported space station payload integration, capsule communications, robotics, and served as deputy chief of the Astronaut Office. She is a veteran of three spaceflights, serving as a mission specialist on the STS-91 mission in 1998, STS-99 in 2000, and STS-104 in 2001. Kavandi has logged more than 33 days in space.

Prior to being named deputy director of Glenn, Kavandi served at Johnson as the deputy director of the Health and Human Performance Directorate, where she was responsible for the NASA flight surgeons and human research investigations on the space station. She also served as both the director and deputy director of Flight Crew Operations, where she was responsible for the Astronaut Corps and aircraft operations at Ellington Field near Johnson.

Born in Springfield, Missouri, she earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Missouri Southern State College in Joplin, a master's degree in chemistry from the University of Missouri in Rolla, and her doctorate in analytical chemistry from the University of Washington in Seattle. She has been recognized with a Presidential Rank Award, two NASA Outstanding Leadership Medals, two Exceptional Service Medals and three NASA Space Flight Medals.

Free joined NASA in 1990 as a propulsion engineer at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. His first assignment at Glenn was in 1999 as the International Space Station liaison for the center's Fluids and Combustion Facility. From 2008 to 2009, Free was the Orion Test and Verification Manager at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. He then returned to Glenn and served in a number of leadership positions, including chief of the Orion Projects Office and director of Space Flight Systems. In 2010, he was appointed the center's deputy director and named director in January 2013.

posted 09-11-2019 08:28 PM               

NASA Glenn Director and Veteran Astronaut, Janet Kavandi, to Retire After 25 Years of Service

Dr. Janet L. Kavandi announced her retirement from NASA on Monday, Sept. 9 following 25 years of service with the space agency. Kavandi has served as director of NASA's Glenn Research Center since March 2016. Her retirement is effective at the end of September.

"It was a difficult decision to call my NASA career to an end, especially at a time when the agency is preparing to send the first woman and next man to the Moon," Kavandi said. "The agency has provided me with experiences I could have never imagined, and it was an absolute honor to lead the men and women at NASA Glenn. I am extremely proud of the work being done today to prepare for Artemis and the next generation of commercial aviation, and I will be closely following the progress as I transition to the next phase of life, personally and professionally."

Under Kavandi's guidance, Glenn saw one of the largest increases in workload and budget in the center's history, including $850 million in funding for 2019. The center's role in the Artemis program also expanded in recent years, including the management of the power and propulsion element for Gateway and the mission-critical testing of the Orion spacecraft for Artemis I.

Selected as a NASA astronaut in December 1994, the Springfield, Missouri native completed three space shuttle flights, serving as a mission specialist on STS-91 in 1998, STS-99 in 2000 and STS-104 in 2001. She logged more than 33 days in space, traveling more than 13.1 million miles, earning an induction into the Astronaut Hall of Fame in April 2019.

Information on Glenn leadership changes following Kavandi's retirement will be announced at a later date.

posted 09-16-2019 12:02 PM               

SNC Welcomes Janet Kavandi to Lead Space Programs

Former NASA Astronaut and Center Director Joins Space Innovator

Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), the global aerospace and national security contractor owned by Chairwoman and President Eren Ozmen and CEO Fatih Ozmen, announced that former NASA astronaut and Glenn Research Center director, Janet Kavandi, will join SNC as Senior Vice President for the company's Space Systems business area. After 25 years with NASA, Kavandi retired this month as director at Glenn, having led the center's Moon to Mars work. She is joining SNC in a period of growth for the company's space initiatives and two years before the first of six missions for SNC's Dream Chaser® spacecraft to service the International Space Station under contract with NASA.

"Janet has been recognized as representing the best of America's astronauts," said Eren Ozmen, SNC's owner and President. "She is also a true leader toward the goal of making space more accessible and affordable to all. We are beyond excited to welcome Janet to SNC so that alongside NASA we can ensure continued U.S. leadership in shaping a coordinated strategy, and critical infrastructure, for our new space economy. Our Dream Chaser spacecraft's first launch in September of 2021 will in itself transform the way the world goes to space."

Kavandi was tapped for NASA's astronaut corps in 1994 and went on to fly three space shuttle missions from 1998 to 2001, logging more than 33 days and 13.1 million miles in space. She was inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame in April 2019. Most recently, as director at Glenn, Kavandi oversaw one of the largest increases in workload and budget in the center's history. She played a pivotal role in the expansion of the Artemis Program, including the management of the power and propulsion element for NASA's moon-orbiting Gateway as well as the mission-critical testing of the Orion spacecraft. Kavandi earned a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Washington.

"I am very excited to be joining Sierra Nevada Corporation at such an exciting and pivotal time in the company's history," said Kavandi. "I look forward to working collaboratively with the SNC team and our partners to achieve revolutionary goals in commercial spaceflight."

At SNC, Kavandi will oversee three units within its Space Systems business area, including Space Technologies & Spacecraft, Space Exploration Systems and Propulsion & Environmental Systems.

posted 12-18-2019 01:25 PM               

SNC'S Kavandi Earns Presidential Rank Award

Global aerospace and national security contractor Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) today announced that Janet Kavandi, senior vice president of SNC's Space Systems business area, has been recognized with the Presidential Rank Award (PRA), the nation's highest civilian career federal leadership award. The White House selected the 2019 awardees and they were recognized Tuesday at the PRA Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C.

"Janet has made an invaluable contribution to U.S. leadership in space and continues to do so in her current role at SNC, even after her remarkable career at NASA," said SNC Chairwoman, President and owner Eren Ozmen.

Kavandi is a former NASA astronaut and director of the agency's Glenn Research Center. She retired in September after 25 years with NASA. Now, within SNC's Space Systems business area Janet oversees all programs including the production and testing of the Dream Chaser spaceplane, which will service the International Space Station under NASA contract starting in late 2021.

"Getting Dream Chaser flown for the first time – to see it launch and land successfully – will be amazing," Kavandi said. "I spent a lot of time in government thinking about flying in space and I want to enable humanity to do even more in the exploration of space. I'm very grateful for this honor and I'm as motivated as ever to make that happen."

Kavandi also oversees SNC's development of technologies to support the Artemis missions to the lunar surface, and the commercialization of low-Earth orbit. Last month at Kennedy Space Center SNC unveiled its Shooting Star cargo module, a 15-foot attachment to the Dream Chaser that is human rated, can serve as a free-flying vehicle in space, and be used for cargo resupply for moon missions. NASA last month also selected SNC for an IDIQ contract under Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS), and the company's inflatable LIFE™ habitat is under consideration for NASA's Lunar Gateway, an orbiting platform to be used as a steppingstone for missions to the Moon and beyond, including to Mars.

posted 11-05-2020 03:23 PM               

SNC Names Former NASA Center Director and Astronaut Janet Kavandi to Lead SNC's Space Business

Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) today (Nov. 5) announced that former NASA Glenn Research Center Director and astronaut Janet Kavandi, Ph.D. has been named executive vice president of SNC's Space Systems Group (SSG) business area based in Louisville, Colorado. Kavandi will oversee all aspects of SNC's space business including the much-anticipated first flight of its Dream Chaser spaceplane, the world's first commercial, non-capsule space vehicle capable of a runway landing. Dream Chaser is currently in full production and under NASA contract to perform at least six cargo missions to the International Space Station for the agency's CRS-2 program.

"Janet is a natural and experienced space leader, respected scientist and accomplished astronaut," said SNC Chairwoman and President Eren Ozmen. "In a year that has reminded us of the power of tenacity, technology and imagination to accomplish tremendous feats in space, it is only fitting that a leader of Janet's experience and vision lead us into our exciting future. Alongside our partners at NASA, SNC will build a shining city in space which will be a beacon of inspiration for generations to come."

Kavandi joined SNC in 2019 after 25 years of service with NASA, where she logged more than 33 days in space, traveling more than 13.1 million miles in 535 Earth orbits. She will lead SNC's space business at an inflection point for the industry, as innovation is accelerating at a rapid pace and commercial space travel and commerce are on the horizon.

"I am honored to be leading SSG at this pivotal time in history for the company and for commercial space travel," said SNC Executive Vice President of Space Systems Janet Kavandi, Ph.D. "When I left NASA, I knew that I wanted to be help make commercialization in space a reality — and, most importantly, to do it safely. I chose SNC due to the caliber of its people and due to the elegance of the Dream Chaser spaceplane transportation capability, which I feel is the most practical solution to the future of space travel. I was also impressed with the breadth of SNC's technological capabilities, from the LIFE habitat as a space destination to the Astro Garden® system to advanced propulsion systems, all of which are critical to support the exploration and colonization of our nearest celestial neighbors."

Kavandi was selected as a NASA astronaut in 1994 as a member of the fifteenth class of U.S. astronauts. She completed three space flights in which she supported space station payload integration, capsule communications and robotics. She went on to serve as director of flight crew operations at NASA's Johnson Space Center and then as director of NASA's Glenn Research Center, where she directed cutting-edge research on aerospace and aeronautical propulsion, power and communication technologies. She retired from NASA in 2019 after 25 years of service. Janet holds degrees in chemistry and a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry. She received two Presidential Rank Awards, two NASA Outstanding Leadership Medals, two Exceptional Service Medals, three NASA Space Flight Medals and the Distinguished Service Medal, NASA's highest award. She was inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame in April 2019.

posted 12-03-2021 12:45 PM               

Dr. Janet Kavandi of Sierra Space Honored with 36th Women in Aerospace Lifetime Achievement Award

Sierra Space President Dr. Janet Kavandi was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the 36th Women in Aerospace Awards (WIA) for her outstanding contributions to aerospace.

Women in Aerospace is a leading professional organization dedicated to expanding women's opportunities for leadership, education and visibility in the aerospace community. Women in Aerospace Awards honor six remarkable women annually for their contributions to the aerospace industry and to the advancement of women in the field.

This year's Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Dr. Kavandi for her lasting contributions to aerospace, scientific achievements in space exploration, and her steadfast dedication to the advancement of women in the field.

Before joining Sierra Space, Dr. Kavandi served as Director of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's John H. Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Prior to that, Dr. Kavandi worked at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, where she served as the Director of Flight Crew Operations and Deputy Chief of the Astronaut Office. Dr. Kavandi was selected as a NASA astronaut in December 1994 as a member of the fifteenth class of U.S. astronauts. Dr. Kavandi has logged more than 33 days in space, traveling more than 13.1 million miles in 535 Earth orbits. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, a Master of Science degree in chemistry from the Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, and her Doctorate in analytical chemistry from the University of Washington in Seattle. Dr. Kavandi has been recognized with two Presidential Rank Awards, two NASA Outstanding Leadership Medals, two NASA Exceptional Service Medals, three NASA Space Flight Medals, and NASA's highest award, the Distinguished Service Medal. She was also inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame in 2019.

"I am truly honored to be accepting the Lifetime Achievement Award from Women in Aerospace," said Dr. Kavandi. "This organization is dedicated to expanding women's opportunities, and I am so proud to accept this award on behalf of the many women who serve in this special field. I would also like to send a huge congratulations to the other award recipients."

"Dr. Kavandi could not be more deserving of the Lifetime Achievement Award from Women in Aerospace. Her dedication to the future of space exploration and her achievements throughout her career have been remarkable, and I am proud to work alongside her," said Tom Vice, CEO of Sierra Space.