Derek Rutovic has served as the director of the Airborne Science Program (ASP) since June 2025. As the ASP director, he is responsible for managing the cost, schedule, and performance of the aircraft NASA uses to meet Earth Science airborne data collection requirements now and into the future. These efforts include the sustainment and maintenances of government-owned and operated aircraft, enabling commercial aircraft vendors where appropriate, and forecasting the future mix of assets required to meet future requirements.
Prior to this role, Derek served as the ASP deputy director for 5 years after serving as an engineer and aircraft program manager at the NASA Johnson Space Center for nearly 20 years. During his career, he served as the lead mechanical engineer for the T-38N avionics upgrade, chief engineer for the Super Guppy avionics upgrades and for the G-III Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle Synthetic Aperture Radar (UAVSAR) integration, program manager for G-III, GV, and WB-57F aircraft, and has led several aircraft acquisitions for the Agency including a Boeing 777 and multiple Gulfstreams.
Derek received his B.S. in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from Purdue University in 2004, and he graduated from the United States Naval Test Pilot School, Class 143, in 2013. When not working, Derek enjoys spen …