Mark Walters is a distinguished software systems engineer, technical visionary, and respected leader at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), with a career spanning more than three decades of exceptional service and innovation. Since joining NASA on June 18, 1990, Mark has played a pivotal role in the success of numerous space missions, contributing his deep expertise in flight software systems and mission operations to advance NASA’s scientific and exploratory goals.

Mark earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY, and went on to receive a Master of Science in Computer Science from The George Washington University in Washington, DC. This strong academic foundation laid the groundwork for a career marked by technical excellence and continuous advancement in leadership.

Throughout his tenure at NASA, Mark has made significant contributions across a broad spectrum of missions, serving in increasingly responsible roles:

• As Assistant Technical Representative (ATR) for the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS), he provided critical oversight during a key period in the mission’s development and operation.
• He continued as Command Systems ATR for the ground systems supporting the ACE, WIND, and POLAR missions, ensuring system integrity and operational readiness.
• As an Attitude Control System (ACS) Flight Software Developer—and Lead—for the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP), Mark contributed to a mission that helped refine our understanding of the origins of the universe.
• For the Space Technology Five (ST5) mission, he served as both ACS FSW Developer and Development Lead, guiding software innovations that supported NASA’s New Millennium Program.
• He led flight software product development for the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) and the Magnetospheric MultiScale (MMS) mission—both of which have had lasting impacts on our understanding of solar activity and the Earth’s magnetosphere.
• Mark also served as FSW Systems Lead for the innovative MUSTANG Processor Card, contributing to a high-performance computing platform for spaceflight applications.
• He later served as Associate Branch Head of Code 582, where he helped lead organizational planning, resource management, and technical execution across multiple projects.
• Mark then took on the role of Software Systems Lead for the On-Orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing Mission (OSAM-1), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enabling autonomous in-space servicing and construction.
• He currently serves as the Chief Engineer of Code 582, providing senior-level engineering direction, technical oversight, and strategic guidance for a broad portfolio of flight software efforts supporting NASA missions.

Mark’s work is marked not only by technical rigor but by a steadfast commitment to mentoring the next generation of engineers, fostering collaborative environments, and championing best practices in software engineering for spaceflight. His leadership has consistently ensured that complex flight software products meet the highest standards of performance, reliability, and safety.

In recognition of his exceptional achievements and leadership, Mark has been honored with numerous awards, most notably the NASA Outstanding Leadership Award—one of the agency’s highest honors—celebrating his sustained excellence and visionary contributions to NASA’s mission.

Over the course of his career, Mark Walters has built a legacy of innovation, mentorship, and service to the scientific community. He remains a driving force in shaping the future of spaceflight software and continues to inspire peers and emerging engineers alike with his dedication, intellect, and unwavering pursuit of excellence.