NASA Honors Draper Engineer with Public Leadership Medal

CAMBRIDGE, MA—When NASA goes deep into space on the Exploration Mission-1 sometime in 2020, the mission will require the most powerful launch vehicle ever built and the most capable flight software in the history of human spaceflight, according to NASA. The EM-1 will also fly farther than any spacecraft built for humans has ever flown, the agency added.

In recognition of his significant contributions to the mission, Paul Doyle of Draper has been awarded the NASA Outstanding Public Leadership Medal. At Draper, Doyle is the NASA Space Launch System Flight Software Deputy Lead. He supports the Jacobs Space Exploration Group at NASA’s Space Launch System Program Office, in Huntsville, Alabama.

Doyle received the medal at NASA’s 2018 Honor Awards ceremonies held recently at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center.

The NASA Outstanding Public Leadership medal is awarded to non-government employees for notable leadership accomplishments that have significantly influenced the NASA mission. This includes sustained leadership and exceptionally high-impact leadership achievements that demonstrate the individual’s effectiveness in advancing the agency’s goals and image in present and future terms.

“Today, we’re celebrating the men and women that exemplify this year’s theme, ‘Igniting the Future—Powered by Purpose,’” said Marshall Acting Center Director Jody Singer, welcoming the honorees and their families to the ceremony. “It’s an honor to be here recognizing so many of you today.”

The SLS, meant to take humans into deep space, will launch NASA’s Orion spacecraft and provide an entirely new capability for human exploration beyond Earth’s orbit. Designed to be flexible for crew or cargo missions, SLS and Orion will be safe, affordable, sustainable and continue America’s journey of discovery from the unique vantage point of space, NASA said.

Draper has supported NASA’s mission for more than 60 years. Draper’s achievements include the design and development of guidance systems that guided the Apollo astronauts to the Moon and back safely to Earth, every time. Draper continues to be a key member in programs that include the International Space Station, NASA’s Orion vehicle for deep space exploration, NASA’s Lunar Orbital Platform-Gateway (LOP-G) and partnerships with commercial entities in satellites servicing, astronaut habitation and space and lunar exploration.

Released September 7, 2018

Paul Doyle, of Draper, far right, received the NASA Outstanding Public Leadership Medal for his contributions to the Space Launch System flight software. (Photo credit: NASA)
At Draper, Paul Doyle is the NASA Space Launch System Flight Software Deputy Lead. At a recent ceremony, NASA honored Doyle with the NASA Outstanding Public Leadership Medal for 2018.
Paul Doyle, of Draper, far right, received the NASA Outstanding Public Leadership Medal for his contributions to the Space Launch System flight software. (Photo credit: NASA)
Paul Doyle, of Draper, far right, received the NASA Outstanding Public Leadership Medal for his contributions to the Space Launch System flight software. (Photo credit: NASA)
At Draper, Paul Doyle is the NASA Space Launch System Flight Software Deputy Lead. At a recent ceremony, NASA honored Doyle with the NASA Outstanding Public Leadership Medal for 2018.
At Draper, Paul Doyle is the NASA Space Launch System Flight Software Deputy Lead. At a recent ceremony, NASA honored Doyle with the NASA Outstanding Public Leadership Medal for 2018.