Michael J. Carney

Michael J. Carney is chief of the Flight Analysis Division with the Launch Services Program (LSP) at NASA’s John F. Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In this position, Carney is responsible for leading and managing analytical disciplines, including flight design; guidance, navigation, and control; flight software; loads; dynamic environments; strength; thermal; fluids; electromagnetic interference; and nuclear launch approval support. Each of these teams reviews, assesses, and independently verifies elements of launch vehicle provider work in support of LSP’s missions.

Experience

Carney began his career with NASA in June 1983 working in launch vehicles at the Glenn Research Center (formerly the Lewis Research Center) for 15 years, before coming to LSP at Kennedy. During this time, Carney worked the flight design discipline and supported several Atlas and Titan missions, including GOES-I (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-I), SOHO (Solar and Heliospheric Observatory), Cassini-Huygens, and EOS (Earth Observing System) Terra.

Awards

He is the recipient of several awards, including a NASA Distinguished Service Medal in 2021, a Kennedy Space Center Outstanding Supervisor Award in 2015, and a NASA Exceptional Service Medal in 2010. Carney also was nominated for a Rotary National Award for the Space Achievement Foundation’s Stellar Award in 2016.

Education

Carney attended the University of Illinois and received a Bachelor of Science in aeronautical and astronautical engineering in 1983. He received a Master of Science in mechanical engineering from the University of Toledo in 1993.

Personal

Carney considers Chicago, where he grew up, to be his hometown. He now resides in Melbourne, Florida, with his wife, Lynnette. They have four grown children, Michael, Alyssa, Joe, and Emily.

Carney’s hobbies include hockey and bicycling, where he has completed several century rides and races.

Biography last updated July 2023