Caltech Names Artemis Ii Commander Reid Wiseman As Nasa Jpl Deputy

Caltech recently named Reid Wiseman as its new associate vice president. He will also serve as deputy director for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Wiseman is a retired U.S. Navy captain and a former astronaut. He begins this new position on November 30, 2026.

Also, Wiseman led the Artemis II mission. He helped guide the crew around the Moon. This mission traveled further than any other human flight in history. Wiseman now moves from deep space to a leadership role in California.

Next, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman praised Wiseman's career. He noted Wiseman's strong technical judgment and operational experience. Isaacman believes Wiseman will help push the boundaries of space exploration. He expects great things from the JPL team.

Meanwhile, JPL Director Dave Gallagher welcomed the appointment. He highlighted Wiseman's ability to inspire teams during difficult missions. Wiseman joins a laboratory with a ninety-year history of discovery. He brings valuable leadership to the organization.

After that, Wiseman reflected on his time as an astronaut. He joined the NASA corps back in 2009. He later served as a flight engineer on the International Space Station. He even lived on the ocean floor for eight days.

Still, his leadership experience remains extensive. He served as the chief astronaut from 2020 to 2022. He oversaw crew safety for many human spaceflight missions. He conducted many scientific experiments during his long career.

Now, Wiseman looks forward to his work at JPL. He wants to help the team achieve impossible goals. He expressed excitement about pushing the limits of human knowledge. He hopes to help humanity understand the solar system better.

Finally, Wiseman will manage laboratory operations and planning. He will work closely with Caltech on institutional compliance. He will also act as the primary contact for national security programs. His background as a Navy pilot and engineer prepares him well for these duties.