Adam Schlesinger Appointed Manager of Lunar Payload Services at NASA

In an exciting development for NASA and the commercial space sector, Adam Schlesinger has been appointed as the manager for NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS). This appointment is significant as it underscores NASA’s dedication to fostering a burgeoning lunar economy, with a strong emphasis on collaboration with private industry. Schlesinger’s extensive background and expertise in human spaceflight and engineering make him an ideal candidate to steer this crucial program.

Expressing his enthusiasm for this new role, Schlesinger stated, “I am honored and tremendously excited to take on this new role as NASA continues to enable a growing lunar economy while leveraging the entrepreneurial innovation of the commercial space industry.” His words reflect the optimism and forward-thinking approach NASA is adopting in its partnerships with commercial entities.

Adam Schlesinger is no stranger to the intricacies of space exploration. With over two decades of experience, he has been an integral part of NASA’s human spaceflight endeavors. Before his appointment to CLPS, Schlesinger served as the lead engineer for the Gateway Program’s habitation and logistics outpost project at Johnson Space Center. The Gateway Program is a vital component of NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and establish a sustainable human presence there by the end of the decade.

### A Career Built on Innovation and Leadership

Schlesinger’s career at NASA is marked by a series of increasingly responsible roles, each contributing to the advancement of space technology and exploration. Before his involvement with the Gateway Program, Schlesinger was at the helm of the Advanced Exploration Systems Avionics and Software Project. In this capacity, he led a diverse, multi-center team that developed and refined several groundbreaking technologies. These advancements were specifically aimed at future NASA exploratory missions, showcasing his ability to spearhead complex projects with significant technological requirements.

Moreover, Schlesinger has a proven track record of establishing and managing strategic partnerships between NASA and private companies. One such initiative was the Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships-2 (NextSTEP-2) activities, which fostered collaborations with commercial providers to push the boundaries of space exploration technologies.

Schlesinger’s journey with NASA began as a cooperative education student in the Avionic Systems Division. Over the years, he has held various roles within NASA’s Engineering, Exploration Architecture, Integration, and Science Directorates. Each position he occupied came with increased technical leadership responsibilities, allowing him to hone his skills and broaden his expertise in space exploration.

### Academic Foundations and Recognitions

Adam Schlesinger’s academic background is rooted in engineering, with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. These academic credentials have been the bedrock of his successful career at NASA.

Throughout his tenure, Schlesinger has received numerous accolades for his technical excellence and leadership abilities. His commendations include multiple NASA Exceptional Achievement Medals, which recognize significant contributions to the agency’s mission. Additionally, he has been nominated for the Rotary National Award for Space Achievement’s Early Career and Middle Career Stellar Awards. Schlesinger’s other honors include the JSC Director’s Commendation Award, Advanced Exploration Systems Innovation Award, and NASA Early Career Achievement Medal. These accolades reflect his commitment to innovation and excellence in space exploration.

### Visionary Leadership for CLPS

Vanessa Wyche, the director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, expressed her confidence in Schlesinger’s appointment, stating, “Adam is an outstanding leader and engineer, and I am extremely pleased to announce his selection for this position. His wealth of experience in human spaceflight, commercial partnerships, and the development and operations of deep-space spacecraft will be a huge asset to CLPS.”

The Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative is a pivotal element of NASA’s strategy to work alongside private companies to deliver science and technology payloads to the Moon. This collaboration is designed to help pave the way for a sustainable human presence on the lunar surface. By selecting Adam Schlesinger as the manager for CLPS, NASA is reinforcing its commitment to leveraging the strengths of the commercial space industry and its innovative capabilities.

### The Broader Impact of CLPS

The CLPS program is not just about getting payloads to the Moon—it represents a larger shift in how space exploration is being approached. By involving commercial partners, NASA is opening doors for increased innovation, cost-efficiency, and rapid technology development. This approach not only accelerates NASA’s lunar exploration goals but also fosters a competitive environment where private companies can thrive and contribute to the broader objectives of space exploration.

The commercial space sector has been growing steadily, with companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and others pushing the envelope of what is possible. NASA’s collaboration with these companies through programs like CLPS is a testament to the potential of public-private partnerships in achieving ambitious space exploration milestones.

### Looking Ahead

As Schlesinger takes on his new role, the future of lunar exploration looks promising. His leadership is expected to bring about advancements in how NASA and its commercial partners approach the challenges of lunar exploration. With the Artemis program aiming to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon, CLPS will play a crucial role in laying the groundwork for these efforts.

By focusing on innovative solutions and fostering strong collaborations with commercial partners, NASA is setting the stage for a new era of space exploration. Adam Schlesinger’s appointment as the manager for CLPS is a strategic move that aligns with NASA’s vision of a thriving lunar economy supported by cutting-edge technology and entrepreneurial spirit.

In conclusion, Adam Schlesinger’s selection as the manager for NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services marks a significant step forward in lunar exploration and the development of a lunar economy. His wealth of experience, leadership skills, and dedication to innovation position him as an ideal leader for this initiative. As NASA continues to work with its commercial partners, the future of lunar exploration looks bright, promising new discoveries and advancements that will benefit humanity as a whole.
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