Theodore O. Adams
Chief Engineer, Design and Development, Engineering Directorate
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Theodore “Ted” O. Adams is chief engineer for design and development at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
In this capacity, he oversees the development of engineering products and technical solutions, within the Engineering Directorate, necessary to ensure the Exploration Ground Systems (EGS), International Space Station, Commercial Crew, Launch Services, Research & Technology, and Operations Programs are successful as the agency prepares for missions to deep space, including the journey to Mars. Adams also helps to ensure the success of Advanced Exploration Systems involving the agency’s Artemis missions to the Moon.
Experience
Adams began his career at Kennedy Space Center in 1989, when he was hired by Lockheed Space Operations Corporation as a fluid systems design engineer for the Space Shuttle Program. After several years working as a hypergolic system design engineer and eventually as a lead design engineer, he moved into engineering management. As a senior manager, he led United Space Alliance’s design and development team of multidiscipline engineers in sustaining the space shuttle ground servicing systems.
In 2009, Adams left private industry and became the Fluid Systems Design Branch chief within the Engineering Directorate at NASA Kennedy. Since then, he has served in different capacities, including Chief of Project Engineering Branch and its Systems Engineering and Integration Branch. He most recently served as the mobile launcher 1 deputy element manager for Engineering for EGS.
Awards
Adams received NASA Honor Awards for his work on the ARES I-X project, a NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal, a NASA Distinguished Service Medal, and a Silver Achievement Medal for the agency’s EGS mobile launcher 1 development.
Personal
Adams was born in Jacksonville, Florida. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Florida in Gainesville in 1989.
In his free time, Adams restores old furniture and collects coins. He enjoys traveling to historic locations with his wife and two daughters.
Biography created October 2024