Professor Dan Hastings

Professor Dan Hastings is the Cecil and Ida Green education professor and Head of the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The MIT Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics endeavors to create an aerospace field that is a diverse and inclusive community, pushing the boundaries of the possible to ensure lasting positive impact on our society, economy, and environment. Some of the department’s core capabilities include the design of aerospace vehicles and real-time aerospace. He served as MIT’s dean of undergraduate education from 2006 to 2013.

Dr. Hastings’ research has spanned five areas: laser material interactions, fusion plasma physics, spacecraft plasma environment interactions, space plasma thrusters, and space systems analysis and design. He has published more than 120 papers, has written a book on spacecraftenvironment interactions, and has chapters in several other books. He is a fellow of three professional societies: the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA); the International Astronautical Federation (IAF); and the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE). He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering (NAE). Hastings’ citation from the NAE reads, “For contributions in spacecraft and space system environment interactions, space system architecture, and leadership in aerospace research and education.” Additional national awards include the Air Force Exceptional Service Award (2008), the QEM Giant in Science Award (2005), the NRO Distinguished Civilian Award (2003), the AIAA Losey Award (2002), the National Guard Bureau Eagle Award (1999), and the Air Force Distinguished Civilian Award (1999 and 1997). Hastings earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of Oxford, England and a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in aeronautics and astronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.