Alan Stern

Alan Stern is a renowned planetary scientist, space program executive, author, and public speaker known for his significant contributions to the field of space exploration. Since 2001 he has led NASA’s $900+M New Horizons mission that explored the Pluto system and is now exploring the Kuiper Belt—the farthest exploration of worlds in history. He is the Principal Investigator of this mission, which made history by conducting the first flyby of Pluto in 2015, and will extend operations until the spacecraft exits the Kuiper belt, which is expected to occur between 2028 and 2029. Stern’s leadership in this groundbreaking mission has provided humanity with unprecedented insights into the outer reaches of our solar system.

His space science research spans more than three decades, including key roles in missions such as the upcoming Europa Clipper mission to explore Jupiter's ice-covered ocean moon, the Rosetta mission to orbit a comet and the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, currently orbiting the Moon. He's also done research using sounding rockets and a Space Shuttle-deployed satellite.

An advocate for space innovation and commercialization, Stern has been involved in various private-sector initiatives, including his work with suborbital spaceflight companies. He has also authored or co-authored multiple books and more than 300 technical papers, reflecting his depth of expertise in planetary science and space exploration.

Stern is a sought-after speaker and educator, known for his ability to make complex scientific topics accessible to the public. His work has earned him numerous accolades, including induction into the Colorado Space Hall of Fame and recognition as one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2007. Stern’s ongoing contributions continue to inspire and shape the future of space exploration.

Stern earned advanced degrees in aerospace engineering and planetary science, including earning his doctorate from the University of Colorado Boulder. Over the course of his career, he has worked on over two dozen NASA space missions, contributing to both their science and instrument development. Stern has also held various leadership roles, including serving as NASA's Associate Administrator for the Science Mission Directorate.