Lynn Harper

From The Space Library

Lynn D. Harper is Lead of Integrative Studies for the NASA Ames Research Center Space Portal, a consortium to promote commercial space development for public benefit. Harper was awarded NASA's Outstanding Leadership Medal for her role as one of the founders of the science of Astrobiology and her service as the first Lead for Astrobiology Advanced Concepts and Technologies. For several years, she was the Acting Chief and Deputy Chief of the Advanced Life Support Division at NASA Ames and oversaw the development of air and water regeneration systems that are now leading candidates for Space Station upgrades and bioregenerative life support projects that, among other things, produced world record wheat yields using hydroponic techniques. Harper served as Study Team Leader for Life Sciences, Life Support, and EVA on NASA's 90-Day Study for Human Exploration of the Moon and Mars; was a member of NASA's Decadal Planning Team for Exploration as well as the NASA Space Architect Team that provided the technical foundation for the President's Vision for Space Exploration. Harper was the Program Manager for Advanced Missions and Special Projects in the Space Life Sciences Division at NASA Headquarters between 1986 and 1989. During her tenure she initiated, established and managed the Controlled Ecological Life Support System Flight Program and the Exobiology Flight Program. She Served as Program Manager (at NASA HQ) and Deputy Project Manager (at NASA Ames) for the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Project (SETI). Harper has managed science instrument development programs for Space Shuttle, Mir, Space Station and unmanned planetary exploration spacecraft as well as computer and radio telescope development and applications programs for SETI. She was the first to support the development of aerogel instruments to collect intact fragments of cosmic dust, an investment that enabled the Stardust Mission and the first recovery of pristine samples from a comet. Harper has a deep commitment to education and has initiated and managed several pioneering educational projects for teachers and students using space to inspire interest in science, technology, engineering and math. Recently, she helped establish the Silicon Valley Space Club, a volunteer think tank that has produced several pioneering space development concepts. Harper is the recipient of numerous NASA awards and has been recognized in Who's Who in America and Who's Who in the World for years.