The U.S. space agency announced Michael Luther has been named a deputy associate administrator of the agency's science mission directorate.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration said Luther will be responsible for overseeing the execution of the directorate's 36 missions currently in formulation and development, as well as 54 operating science missions.

Luther has been NASA's deputy director for programs in the science mission directorate's Earth Science Division.

"Mike brings an unprecedented amount of knowledge in overall science programs, along with extensive experience in Earth research, said Ed Weiler, the directorate's associate administrator. That experience will be invaluable as we prepare for upcoming Earth-related launches and campaigns."

Luther began his tenure at NASA headquarters in 1987 and has served as program manager of the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite, as well as Earth science flight program director. He has worked at NASA since 1981, when he joined the Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va. In 2005, Luther received the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal.

NASA's science mission directorate conducts research and scientific programs to observe the Earth, study space weather and explore the solar system and the universe beyond.