Remembering Steve Jurczyk: A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of former NASA Acting Administrator Steve Jurczyk on November 23, at the age of 61. Steve, a remarkable individual who dedicated his life to space exploration, bravely fought pancreatic cancer until the end.
A Trailblazing Career at NASA
Steve Jurczyk’s illustrious career spanned over three decades at NASA, where he climbed the ranks to become the associate administrator, the highest-ranking civil servant within the agency. From May 2018 to January 2021, he held this prestigious position, demonstrating his exceptional leadership skills. During periods of transition, Steve also served as the acting administrator, leaving an indelible mark on the agency from January to May 2021.
His contributions to space exploration were truly extraordinary. Steve fearlessly tackled some of the most daring challenges in spaceflight, pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and propelling humanity’s reach throughout the solar system. His legacy of kindness and exceptional leadership will continue to inspire us all.
A Visionary Leader
Prior to his roles as acting administrator and associate administrator, Steve Jurczyk served as the associate administrator for the Space Technology Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters. In this role, which he held from June 2015, he played a pivotal role in formulating and executing NASA’s space technology portfolio. His focus was on developing and demonstrating new technologies to support both human and robotic exploration, fostering public/private partnerships, and collaborating with academia.
Before joining the leadership team at NASA Headquarters, Steve served as the director of NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. His appointment to this position in May 2014 was a testament to his exceptional skills and expertise. Prior to becoming the director, he served as the deputy center director, showcasing his dedication and commitment to the agency’s mission.
A Passion for Innovation
Steve Jurczyk’s journey with NASA began in 1988 when he joined as a design, integration, and test engineer in the Electronic Systems Branch at NASA Langley. During his time there, he played a crucial role in the development of several space-based Earth remote sensing systems. Throughout his career, he held various roles at Langley, including director of engineering and director of research and technology.
Reflecting on his retirement, Steve shared his deep appreciation for the NASA workforce and their incredible work, especially during the challenging times of the coronavirus pandemic. He acknowledged the agency’s ability to turn dreams into reality and make the seemingly impossible possible. Steve felt immensely fortunate to have been a part of the NASA family.
A Legacy of Excellence
Steve Jurczyk’s remarkable contributions to NASA were recognized through numerous awards, including the Distinguished Service Medal, Presidential Rank Award for Distinguished Executive, Presidential Rank Award for Meritorious Executive, Silver Achievement Medal, Outstanding Leadership Medal, and several Group Achievement Awards. His exceptional leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic also earned him a finalist spot for the Sammie management excellence award.
Steve Jurczyk graduated from the University of Virginia, where he earned Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in electrical engineering. He was also an associate fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
A Fond Farewell
As we bid farewell to Steve Jurczyk, we remember his remarkable contributions to NASA and the world of space exploration. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of scientists, engineers, and dreamers who strive to push the boundaries of human knowledge and explore the wonders of the universe.
To learn more about Steve Jurczyk’s extraordinary NASA career, please visit: https://www.nasa.gov/people/steve-jurczyk/
Photo: Joel Kowsky , Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
