Larry D. James
Larry D. James | |
|---|---|
James as shown as a Lt. General in 2011 | |
| Interim Director of the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory | |
| In office August 21, 2021 – May 16, 2022 | |
| Preceded by | Michael M. Watkins |
| Succeeded by | Laurie Leshin |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1956 (age 68–69) |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1978–2013 |
| Rank | Lieutenant General |
| Commands | 14th Air Force Joint Functional Component Command for Space 50th Space Wing 614th Space Operations Group 5th Space Launch Squadron 45th Spacecraft Operations Squadron |
| Awards | Defense Superior Service Medal (2) Legion of Merit (4) Bronze Star Medal |
Lieutenant General Larry D. James is a former senior officer in the United States Air Force and a former civilian NASA administrator. He was the deputy director of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where he also acted as the interim director from August 21, 2021 to May 16, 2022. He acted as the Laboratory's Chief Operating Officer responsible to the Director for the day-to-day management of JPL's resources and activities. This includeed managing the Laboratory's solar system exploration, Mars, astronomy, physics, Earth science, interplanetary network programs, and all business operations. These activities employed 5000 scientists, engineers, technicians, and business support personnel, generating $1.8 billion in annual revenues. Previously, he served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Headquarters United States Air Force. James' prior commands included the 14th Air Force and Joint Functional Component Command for Space from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.