NASA has selected Jim Geffre as deputy manager for the Extravehicular Activity and Human Surface Mobility Program. Geffre, a veteran leader with over 24 years of experience in human spaceflight, brings an extensive background in spacecraft development, integration, and operations.
“I’m excited to join the team and help lead the advancement of our exploration capabilities in spacesuits and human surface mobility,” Geffre said. “It’s an honor to be selected for this role that will contribute directly to NASA’s next chapter of lunar and Mars exploration.”
Geffre’s distinguished career at NASA includes leadership roles in the Orion program, where he directed vehicle integration and led critical efforts for the Artemis I and Artemis II missions. As manager of the Orion Vehicle Integration Office, he oversaw the certification of the spacecraft for Artemis I and facilitated successful collaboration with international and commercial partners, ensuring seamless integration of the European Service Module. His expertise in systems engineering, risk management, and technical innovation has been pivotal in advancing NASA’s human exploration goals.
“Jim is an exceptional leader with a proven track record of managing complex programs and fostering international partnerships,” said Lara Kearney, manager of NASA’s Extravehicular Activity and Human Surface Mobility program at Johnson Space Center in Houston. “His experience and vision will be invaluable as we advance our surface mobility capabilities to support the Artemis campaign and pave the way for future exploration.”
In his new role, Geffre will support the program in developing cutting-edge capabilities for spacewalks and surface mobility systems critical to lunar exploration and missions to Mars. This includes leading efforts to develop next-generation spacesuits, mobility platforms including the Lunar Terrain Vehicle and Pressurized Rover, and new tools that will enable astronauts to perform science and operations on the lunar surface.
Geffre’s contributions to human spaceflight have been widely recognized. He is a recipient of NASA’s Outstanding Leadership Medal, Exceptional Achievement Medal, and the prestigious Silver Snoopy Award, among others. He also led the award-winning development of flight software and systems for the Orion spacecraft, which was honored with NASA’s Software of the Year Award in 2015.
Geffre holds a master’s degree in Space Science from the University of Houston-Clear Lake and a bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. He has authored several publications on human space exploration and mission architecture and is committed to advancing NASA’s mission of exploration and discovery.
With Geffre’s leadership, NASA’s EVA and Human Surface Mobility Program is poised to deliver transformative technologies that will enable the Artemis Generation to explore the Moon like never before and prepare for humanity’s next giant leap.
Learn more about NASA’s EVA and Human Surface Mobility Program:
