NASA has confirmed that Jennifer Lyons will take over as the acting program manager for the Launch Services Program (LSP) at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Her new responsibilities begin on Wednesday, April 1. In this capacity, Lyons will be responsible for the acquisition and management of domestic commercial launch services. These services are essential for the agency’s various science and robotic exploration missions.
The role involves high-level oversight of mission planning, selecting launch vehicles and integrating spacecraft. Lyons will also manage launch processing and post-launch activities. The program is designed to pair specific spacecraft with the right commercial rockets to ensure all mission requirements are met. This work supports critical NASA missions that study Earth, explore our solar system and look deeper into the universe.
Lyons has a career at NASA spanning nearly four decades. She has held several technical and leadership positions, including serving as the deputy program manager for launch services since March 2024. Her previous experience includes working as the deputy manager for the Deep Space Logistics project within the Gateway Program. For over ten years, she led the Fleet and Systems Management Division, where she approved activities regarding launch vehicle certification and mission assurance.
“Jenny brings the kind of flight-readiness discipline and mission-assurance expertise that have defined the program’s 25‑year record of more than 100 successful flights across 15 commercial rocket types,” said Bradley Smith, director of NASA’s Launch Services Office at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “In addition to being the transportation cornerstone of NASA’s science and robotic exploration missions, commercial launch is also critically important to NASA’s Artemis architecture. Jenny’s experience in having worked across many NASA projects — from space shuttle to the International Space Station, to Commercial Crew, and partnering with commercial providers — will enable LSP to continue bringing its core launch vehicle capabilities to bear, ensuring successful outcomes.”
Lyons is taking over from Albert Sierra, who has led the program since March 2024. Sierra is retiring after 36 years with the agency. During his time as leader, he managed five primary missions and several smaller launches for satellites and deep-space probes.
“I am honored to take on this important role supporting NASA’s science and exploration missions,” said Lyons. “I am confident our team will remain focused on delivering safe, reliable launch services while strengthening a healthy commercial market that enables discoveries across the solar system and beyond.”
Regarding his departure, Sierra said: “Leading LSP has been one of the greatest privileges of my career, especially knowing the missions we’ve launched will fuel discovery for years to come. While it’s never easy to step away, I’m confident the program will continue its strong record of mission success under Jenny’s leadership.”
