George Tahu

George Tahu is the Lead Program Executive for Mars Exploration in the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters.  The Mars Exploration Program is a multi-mission effort of robotic spacecraft, science instruments, and research to systematically explore and understand Mars’ geological and environmental history, its potential for habitability, and to prepare for future human explorers  Previously, George has been responsible for a number of varied missions and activities across NASA’s Planetary Science portfolio, including the Mars 2020 Perseverance rover mission and the Mars Sample Return Campaign, development of robotic lunar missions and technologies, astrobiology cubesat payloads, and science instrument contributions to international partner missions.

Prior to joining NASA, George was a space project manager and contractor for the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, served as space policy specialist at the U.S. Department of Commerce, and conducted space policy analysis, research, and facilitated international partnerships at ANSER’s Center for International Aerospace Cooperation.

George holds an M.S. in Systems Engineering and an M.A. in Science & Technology Policy and International Affairs from George Washington University, as well as a B.A. in Political Science from Texas Christian University.