Christopher Baker

Christopher Baker currently serves as the program executive for the Small Spacecraft Technology program within NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate. Under his leadership, this program seeks to increase the pace of space exploration, discovery, and the expansion of space commerce though the rapid identification, development, and testing of capabilities that exploit agile spacecraft platforms and responsive launch capabilities from industry providers. In addition to providing strategic direction, Baker also serves as a technologist for small spacecraft, helping to identify gaps in current capabilities and set technical priorities for small spacecraft investments across the Space Technology Mission Directorate.

Baker previously led NASA’s Flight Opportunities program, which rapidly demonstrates space technologies through suborbital and orbital flight testing with commercial flight platforms. He also managed the Center Innovation Fund, an agency-wide early-stage research and development program from NASA Headquarters. Prior to coming to NASA Headquarters, Baker held various positions in atmospheric and suborbital flight testing at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center.

Baker has received numerous awards, including the NASA Early Career Achievement Medal and Outstanding Leadership Medal. Baker is a graduate of the Worcester Polytechnic Institute where he received a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering with a minor in Physics and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering.