Mitch Daniels recalls legacy of Space Center's Geyer on his passing

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue alumnus and former head of the Johnson Space Center and manager of the Orion Program, Mark Geyer, died Tuesday due to pancreatic cancer.

Mitch Daniels, Purdue University president, released a statement in regards to Geyer's passing.

“Purdue has lost another of its many great contributions to our nation and the world, our dear friend and distinguished alumnus Mark Geyer, former director of the Johnson Space Center," Daniels said. "Mark’s impact on space exploration and human spaceflight was immense. We mourn his loss but are proud and grateful for his legacy of innovation and leadership.”

Geyer was born in Indianapolis. He earned his bachelor of science in aeronautical and astronautical engineering in 1982 and a master in the same fields in 1984 from Purdue.

According to NASA, Geyer was named as the Johnson Space Center director in May 2018, bringing a career that included positions in the International Space Station Program, serving as program manager of the Orion Program, and as deputy associate administrator in the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington.

Geyer announced in May 2021 that he was stepping down to focus on a recent cancer diagnosis.

"It has been my honor to lead the Johnson Space Center team,” Geyer said in the NASA announcement. “JSC is a group of extremely talented professionals all dedicated to the mission of expanding human exploration of the solar system. The diverse scope of work they accomplished and the challenges they overcame inspired me every day. I have been so blessed to work here.”

Margaret Christopherson is a reporter for the Journal & Courier. Email her at mtroup@jconline.com and follow her on Twitter @MargaretJC2

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Purdue University president recalls Space Center's Mark Geyer