Nasa Administrator Bill Nelson said the changes were being made because of increasing space operations in low-Earth orbit and development programs that are well underway for deep space exploration, including Artemis missions.
“Nasa has long set the vision for space exploration, not only for our nation, but also for the world,” he said.
“This reorganisation positions Nasa and the United States for success as we venture farther out into the cosmos than ever before, all while supporting the continued commercialisation of space and research on the ISS. This also will allow the United States to maintain its leadership in space for decades to come.”
The new Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate (ESDMD) directorate will manage programs critical to the Artemis mission as well as planning for Moon and Mars exploration.
“I’m excited to be back at Nasa,” said Jim Free, the Directorate’s administrator. “Working hand-in-hand with our colleagues in Space...