Michael LaPointe

Dr. LaPointe began his NASA career at the Marshall Space Flight Center in 2004, managing research and development activities in high power electric propulsion. Since then he has served as a branch chief and deputy division manager for MSFC science research and technology organizations, most recently managing the Space Technology Development Branch. Prior to joining NASA, Dr. LaPointe was a principal scientist at the Ohio Aerospace Institute, where he designed and operated a pulsed multi-MW electric propulsion facility to develop and test high power plasma thrusters. He holds an undergraduate degree in Physics, MS degrees in Physics and in Astrophysics, Planetary and Atmospheric Sciences, and a doctorate in Nuclear Engineering. Dr. LaPointe is a long-time NIAC Fellow, having received two awards under the prior NIAC Program and one under the current program. He is an Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and a member of the AIAA Nuclear and Future Flight Propulsion Technical Committee.

Email: hq-niac@mail.nasa.gov