NASA Goddard has announced that Dr. Christa Peters-Lidard, director of the Sciences and Exploration Directorate (SED), will retire this summer after nearly 24 years with the agency. She will remain in her role while the search for an acting director is conducted.
Dr. Peters-Lidard began her career at Goddard as a physical scientist in the Hydrological Sciences Branch, focusing on land-atmosphere interactions and soil moisture remote sensing. Her ascent within the organization included leadership roles as chief of the Hydrological Sciences Laboratory and deputy director of the Hydrosphere, Biosphere, and Geophysics section of Goddard’s Earth Sciences Division. Since her appointment as SED director in January 2023, she has overseen significant milestones, including the successful OSIRIS-REx mission, the Parker Solar Probe’s groundbreaking solar studies, and notable satellite launches such as PACE and Landsat-9, as well as the achievements of the James Webb Space Telescope.
Her extensive contributions to science have earned her numerous accolades, including the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal and the Arthur S. Flemming Award. Additionally, she has been recognized as a fellow by both the American Meteorological Society and American Geophysical Union, and is a member of the National Academy of Engineering.
In her note to staff, Dr. Makenzie Lystrup, Center Director, expressed deep appreciation for Peters-Lidard’s impact on NASA and acknowledged the difficulty of upcoming departures as employees consider voluntary separation programs from the agency. A program called “Goddard For Life” is being developed to allow retirees, emeriti, and alumni to continue contributing to the organization, fostering continuity and mentorship within the community. More details about this initiative will be shared in the future.
In closing, Dr. Lystrup congratulated Christa Peters-Lidard on her retirement and thanked her for her service, noting the importance of her ongoing role during the transition.