James Green

James L. Green received his Ph.D. in Space Physics from the University of Iowa in 1979 and began working at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, where he developed and managed NASA’s first Internet, the Space Physics Analysis Network. Over his 42-year career at NASA, he held numerous leadership roles, including head of the National Space Science Data Center at Goddard Space Flight Center, Chief of the Space Science Data Operations Office, and Chief of the Science Proposal Support Office.

In August 2006, Jim became the Director of the Planetary Science Division (PSD) at NASA Headquarters, a position he held for more than a decade—making him the longest-serving PSD director in NASA history. Under his leadership, several high-profile missions were successfully executed, including the New Horizons flyby of Pluto, MESSENGER to Mercury, Juno to Jupiter, Grail A and B to the Moon, Dawn to Vesta and Ceres, and the landings of the Curiosity, InSight, and Perseverance rovers on Mars. He was also responsible for the continued operation and success of Mars Odyssey, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, ESA’s Mars Express Orbiter, and both Spirit and Opportunity.

Later in his career, Jim served as NASA’s Chief Scientist, where he helped shape the agency’s overall scientific strategy and international partnerships. He played a key role in connecting science and culture, helping coordinate NASA’s involvement with the 2015 film The Martian. In recognition of his contributions, Jim has received numerous awards, including NASA’s Distinguished Service Medal (its highest honor), the Exceptional Achievement Medal for the New Horizons mission, the Arthur S. Flemming Award for outstanding federal service, and Japan’s Kotani Prize for international science data leadership. In 2017, asteroid 25913 was renamed Jamesgreen in his honor.

Jim Green retired from NASA in December 2022. He has authored more than 125 scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals and over 80 technical and popular science articles, continuing to inspire new generations of explorers as an advisor and public advocate for planetary science and human exploration.