David Gallagher Appointed as New Director of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Succeeding Laurie Leshin

In a significant leadership change at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), David Gallagher has been appointed as the new director, set to officially take over on June 2. This transition comes as Laurie Leshin steps down after a commendable three-year tenure that saw the lab undertake numerous high-profile missions including EMIT, SWOT, and the upcoming NISAR satellite launch. Gallagher, who has been a part of JPL for 36 years, has held various leadership roles and is expected to bring his extensive experience to continue the lab's legacy. With Leshin leaving for personal reasons, including a desire to focus on her research and family, the change raises questions about the future direction of JPL at a pivotal moment for space exploration. Both Leshin and Gallagher have expressed mutual respect, emphasizing continuity in leadership and innovation. Leshin’s accomplishments during her directorship signal a period of growth and achievement for JPL, with advancements in technology and scientific understanding. The core aspects of this transition reflect not just a change in personnel but an ongoing commitment to push the boundaries of space exploration under Gallagher’s capable leadership. The response from the scientific community and leadership at NASA has been largely positive, underlining a smooth transition for both staff and ongoing missions. Additionally, this leadership change underscores JPL as a leading institution for scientific discovery and technological advancement in space science.