David J. Miranda
NASA Science ·
David J. Miranda serves as the Acting Center Chief Technologist at NASA’s John F. Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In this role, he oversees research and technology development work at the center, acting as a center-level advisor on technology development. He oversees the technical execution of several technology development portfolios while driving cross-agency collaboration and […] The post David J. Miranda appeared first on NASA Science .
Acting Center Chief Technologist
David J. Miranda serves as the Acting Center Chief Technologist at NASA’s John F. Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In this role, he oversees research and technology development work at the center, acting as a center-level advisor on technology development. He oversees the technical execution of several technology development portfolios while driving cross-agency collaboration and industry partnerships to advance NASA’s Moon-to-Mars vision.
Experience Miranda assumed his current role in June 2026, bringing over 18 years of experience in human spaceflight and research and development. From October 2025 to May 2026, he served as Chief of the Exploration Payloads Branch, directing a multidisciplinary team that delivered science and engineering support to the International Space Station Program, low-Earth orbit, and deep space exploration initiatives.
From 2022 to 2025, Miranda served as Chief of the Spaceport Technologies Office at Kennedy, overseeing four advanced laboratories in cryogenics, electrostatics, applied physics, and water sciences. Under his leadership, these facilities delivered cutting-edge research to enhance the nation’s spaceflight capabilities. He previously held the position of Deputy Chief of the same office from January 2020 to December 2021.
From 2018 to 2019, Miranda served as Senior Technologist in NASA’s Office of the Chief Technologist, where he helped shape the agency’s innovation strategy. Most notably, he directed the development and release of the 2020 NASA Technology Taxonomy, a critical framework for managing NASA’s technology portfolio and strengthening collaboration across mission directorates.
Earlier in his career, Miranda led the award-winning Integrated Display and Environmental Awareness System (IDEAS) project, which received the Space Technology Mission Directorate Innovation Award in 2017. His NASA journey began in 2006 as a Technology Transfer Intern, and he joined the agency full-time in 2009 as a simulation engineer with the IT Directorate.
Awards Miranda’s leadership and technical contributions have been recognized with multiple honors, including the Space Technology Mission Directorate Innovation Award (2017), the KSC You Make a Difference Award (2017), and the KSC Center Director Gold Dollar Award (2013).
Education A native of Miami, Florida, Miranda earned his Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, Master of Science in Industrial Engineering, and Master of Business Administration, all from the University of Central Florida in Orlando.
Personal Miranda enjoys comic book collecting, bicycling, and spending time with his family. He resides in Orlando, Florida, with his wife and daughter.
Biography last updated October 2026
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