Swiss-born NASA science chief Zurbuchen to step down
Zurbuchen joined NASA in 2016.
Keystone/Anthony Anex
Thomas Zurbuchen, a Swiss-American astrophysicist, says he will quit as science chief of the United States space agency (NASA) at the end of this year.
This content was published on
1 minute
Reuters/Keystone-SDA/swissinfo.ch/ug
Español
es
Alto cargo suizo de la NASA considera que hay vida en satélite de Júpiter
He has served as head of the science mission directorate of the National Aeronautics and Space Agency for more than six years, shepherding the agency’s about 100 space missions.
The 54-year-old Zurbuchen notably oversaw the successful deployment of the James Webb space telescope and the Perseverance rover for the mission to the planet Mars.
“Over the years, our NASA team has reached unimaginable goals that have strengthened the program. Now is the time for change, and the opportunity to give other great leaders the chance to push the boundaries and take our program to new heights,” he announced on Tuesday.
Zurbuchen studied physics and mathematics at the Swiss university of Bern. In 2008 he became professor at the University of Michigan and joined NASA in 2016.
More
More
‘Is there life out there?’ This man’s in charge of trying to find out
This content was published on
Fifty years after the moon landing, what’s next for NASA? The man at the head of the space agency’s Science Mission Directorate tells swissinfo.ch.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
This content was published on
The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
This content was published on
The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
This content was published on
In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
This content was published on
As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
This content was published on
After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Space telescope detects carbon dioxide on an exoplanet
This content was published on
Researchers behind the James Webb Space Telescope have detected CO2 in the atmosphere of WASP-39b, a planet located outside the solar system.
‘Awesome’ to be involved in historic Mars rover landing, says Swiss firm
This content was published on
NASA science rover ‘Perseverance’ has landed safely on Mars as part of its search for traces of microbial life on the Red Planet.
‘Is there life out there?’ This man’s in charge of trying to find out
This content was published on
Fifty years after the moon landing, what's next for NASA? The man at the head of the space agency's Science Mission Directorate tells swissinfo.ch.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.