ABOUT
Dr. Green’s journey at NASA began in 1980, and over the years, he has held numerous pivotal roles, including the Director of the Planetary Science Division. His leadership and expertise have been instrumental in the success of many groundbreaking missions, such as the Mars rovers, the New Horizons mission to Pluto, and the Juno mission to Jupiter.
As Chief Scientist, Dr. Green provided strategic guidance and oversight for NASA’s scientific endeavors, ensuring the alignment of scientific goals with national and international priorities. His vision and dedication have helped advance our understanding of the solar system and beyond, fostering collaborations that have expanded the frontiers of space exploration.
Dr. Green is a respected voice in the scientific community, known for his passion for space science, education, and outreach. He has authored numerous scientific papers, presented at many global conferences, and inspired the next generation of scientists through his teaching and public engagement efforts.
On this website, you will find a wealth of information about Dr. Green’s career, his contributions to space science, and his ongoing projects. Whether you are a fellow scientist, a student, or simply a space enthusiast, we invite you to explore and discover the remarkable legacy of Dr. James Green.
ACADEMICS
Dr. James L. Green pursued an extensive academic journey at the University of Iowa, Iowa City, from 1969 to 1979, where he specialized in Astronomy and Physics. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Astronomy in May 1973. His keen interest in space phenomena led him to continue his studies in Physics, achieving a Master of Science degree in May 1976. His master’s thesis, titled “The Angular Distribution of Auroral Kilometric Radiation (AKR),” focused on the directional characteristics of radio emissions from auroras, a fundamental study in space physics.
Dr. Green’s academic pursuit reached its zenith with a Ph.D. in Physics, awarded in July 1979. His doctoral thesis, “On the Generation of Auroral Kilometric Radiation,” provided groundbreaking insights into the mechanisms behind the generation of these newly discovered radio waves, contributing significantly to the understanding of auroral processes and space weather phenomena. During his graduate studies, he served as a Research Assistant from June 1975 to July 1979, and as a Postdoctoral Research Investigator and Teaching Assistant from August 1979 to January 1980 when he was hired by NASA. These roles allowed him to hone his research skills and contribute to the scientific community through teaching and collaborative projects .
Career Highlights
Gallery
Honors & Awards
“Exceptional Contributions to U.S.-Japan partnership based on deep understanding in ISAS asteroid exploration missions.”
“For outstanding leadership and contributions to NASA’s mission.”
This award recognizes and honors individuals who have rendered outstanding service to planetary science and exploration through managerial, programmatic, or public service activities.
Recognizing his significant contributions to space research and discovery.
In recognition of his contributions, Asteroid 25913 was renamed to James Green. More details can be found on the Minor Planet Center.
“For the New Horizons flyby of the Pluto system.”
“Outstanding contributions in science data management and access."
Dr. Green was honored for his outstanding individual performance in the Federal Government.