NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts
NIAC is a program within NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate that supports early studies of innovative, yet credible, visionary concepts that could one day “change the possible” in aerospace. This track includes an introduction to this unique program; presentations on representative NIAC concepts; and general information on anticipated upcoming opportunities.
Track Chair:
John Nelson
Senior Technical Consultant, NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Program, Bryce Space and Technology
John Nelson, a Program Manager with Bryce Space and Technology, is the Senior Technical Consultant for NASA’s Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Program. For over 20 years, Mr. Nelson has provided strategic planning, portfolio management, and technical consultation to federal science and technology programs. Since completing an MS in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Virginia, John has worked with NASA programs spanning a broad range of life sciences and space technology disciplines. In addition, John has consulted for chemical and biological defense programs within the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA). Since 2012, Mr. Nelson has led Bryce’s support of NASA SpaceTech, and in 2017, he joined the NIAC program office. John has received numerous awards and honors for his work with NASA, including the NASA Spaceflight Awareness Honoree Award in 2016.
Track Chair:
John Nelson
Senior Technical Consultant, NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Program, Bryce Space and Technology
John Nelson, a Program Manager with Bryce Space and Technology, is the Senior Technical Consultant for NASA’s Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Program. For over 20 years, Mr. Nelson has provided strategic planning, portfolio management, and technical consultation to federal science and technology programs. Since completing an MS in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Virginia, John has worked with NASA programs spanning a broad range of life sciences and space technology disciplines. In addition, John has consulted for chemical and biological defense programs within the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA). Since 2012, Mr. Nelson has led Bryce’s support of NASA SpaceTech, and in 2017, he joined the NIAC program office. John has received numerous awards and honors for his work with NASA, including the NASA Spaceflight Awareness Honoree Award in 2016.
Track Co-Chair:
Jason Derleth
Program Executive, NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Program, NASA
Jason Derleth is the Program Executive for the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Program. Mr. Derleth is an aerospace engineer and technology analyst with experience at NASA Headquarters, the Jet Propulsion Lab, and private industry. He is also a writer, musician, and craftsman. Jason graduated MIT with an SM in aero astro engineering in 2003, and began working at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory a month later. In 2005, he was awarded the NASA Exceptional Public Service Medal for his work in the Exploration Systems Architecture Study. He transferred to the NASA Civil Service in 2008, joined NIAC as Program Manager in 2011, and became Program Executive in 2015.
Track Co-Chair:
Jason Derleth
Program Executive, NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Program, NASA
Jason Derleth is the Program Executive for the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Program. Mr. Derleth is an aerospace engineer and technology analyst with experience at NASA Headquarters, the Jet Propulsion Lab, and private industry. He is also a writer, musician, and craftsman. Jason graduated MIT with an SM in aero astro engineering in 2003, and began working at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory a month later. In 2005, he was awarded the NASA Exceptional Public Service Medal for his work in the Exploration Systems Architecture Study. He transferred to the NASA Civil Service in 2008, joined NIAC as Program Manager in 2011, and became Program Executive in 2015.