Michael Houts

Recognized under Tier 5 — Energy Systems & Power Generation, Michael Houts has made significant contributions to space nuclear propulsion and power systems at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. Houts's research and leadership on nuclear thermal propulsion — a technology that could cut Mars transit time substantially compared to conventional chemical rockets — and on space nuclear reactor power systems more broadly, has helped advance some of the most enabling technologies for long-duration human space exploration. Both faster travel to Mars and reliable power generation on the Martian surface could be substantially enhanced by the nuclear technologies Houts has worked to develop and mature.