Former NASA Official Joins Lockheed Martin

Robert Lightfoot, former NASA acting administrator, is joining Lockheed Martin next Monday, the company has announced. 

Lightfoot will lead strategic planning, advanced technology concepts and new business strategy for the company’s Space business area. That business includes GPS, missile warning and communications satellites for the Pentagon; human and robotic exploration systems for NASA; weather and commercial communications satellites; and strategic missile and missile defense systems.

“Robert is a universally-respected leader with an exceptional understanding of space technology, operations and strategy,” said Rick Ambrose, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin Space. “Robert’s insights and expertise will be crucial to the continued transformation of our space portfolio as we embrace new technologies and new business models. He will shape and drive a strategy that will help us deliver the breakthrough innovations and capabilities our customers need as we enter a new space age.”

At NASA, Lightfoot served in several leadership roles to support space operations, exploration and science missions. He also focused on strategies for key missions including the shuttle’s return to flight following the Columbia tragedy, then initial transition and retirement efforts for shuttle infrastructure.

He retired from NASA in April 2018 and has served as president of LSINC Corp. in Huntsville for the past year.

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