Rosa Avalos-Warren

Program Executive, Astrophysics Division
Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters

Rosa Avalos‑Warren is the Program Executive for the James Webb Space Telescope and the Hubble Space Telescope, as well as a broad portfolio of NASA astrophysics missions including the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array, Imaging X‑ray Polarimetry Explorer, and multiple Pioneers and CubeSat missions. Rosa also serves as Deputy Program Executive for the Ultraviolet Explorer (UVEX), helping advance missions that deepen humanity’s understanding of the universe.

Before joining NASA Headquarters, Rosa was a Network Director and Mission Manager at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, where Rosa played a key role in the successful execution of Artemis I. Rosa led the readiness and integration of tracking and communications networks that maintained continuous connectivity throughout launch, deep‑space transit, and recovery. The architectures and strategies developed for Artemis I now support Artemis II and lay the foundation for future crewed deep‑space missions.

Rosa has supported missions to the International Space Station, Artemis I, and numerous robotic and commercial crew missions, leading integration activities across more than 40 NASA missions. Earlier, as a Project Manager at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility, Rosa provided critical telemetry and range support for Rocket Lab and Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate launches. Rosa began Rosa’s NASA career at Johnson Space Center, contributing to the International Space Station Program as a mechanical and operations engineer.

Rosa’s contributions have earned multiple honors, including the Silver Snoopy Award for support to SpaceX Demo‑2, the Space Flight Awareness Team Award, and recognition from former NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, Great Minds in STEM, and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers.

Originally from Lima, Peru, Rosa is a dedicated mentor and advocate for STEM education, a TEDx speaker, and a collaborator with the U.S. Department of State on international outreach initiatives.

Rosa holds a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Virginia Tech and an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Rice University.