NASA lists advisory council restructuring

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 (UPI) -- U.S. space agency Administrator Charles Bolden says he has added four new committees to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Advisory Council.

Bolden said the new committees are in key areas of importance to NASA's future: Commercial Space, Education and Public Outreach, Information Technology Infrastructure, and Technology Innovation.

"I consider the NASA Advisory Council to be an extremely important external advisory group, one that is uniquely capable to advise me and the entire NASA senior leadership team on some of the important decisions our agency will face in the coming months and years," Bolden said. "I am confident that this new structure will serve as an effective forum to stimulate meaningful advice to me and the rest of NASA's leadership."

The council provides advice and makes recommendations about NASA programs, policies, plans, financial controls and other matters.

The committees and their chairman or chairwoman:

-- NASA Advisory Council: Kenneth Ford.

-- Aeronautics Committee: Marion Blakey.

-- Audit, Finance and Analysis Committee: Robert Hanisee.

-- Commercial Space Committee: Brett Alexander.

-- Education and Public Outreach: Miles O'Brien.

-- Exploration Committee: Retired Air Force Gen. Lester Lyles.

-- Science Committee: Wesley Huntress Jr.

-- Space Operations Committee: Former astronaut and retired Air Force Col. Eileen Collins.

-- Technology and Innovation Committee: Esther Dyson.

An appointment is pending for the Information Technology and Infrastructure Committee.