Sam Ortega has worked numerous positions across NASA and Marshall Space Flight Center.Most recently working on the Space Launch System, the Human Lander System and as the Partnerships Office Manager at Marshall Space Flight Center leading a team to facilitate access for commercial industry, academia and other federal agencies to NASA's unique facilities and technical resources. Prior to Partnerships, Sam was the Program Manager for NASA's Centennial Challenges Program from 2010 to 2015 offering multi-million dollar prize purse competitions to advance technology for NASA and the nation.

From 2001 to 2011, Sam worked on the Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Motors as the Lead Ballistician and Lead of the Business Office. Prior to working in the Shuttle Office, Sam prepared experiments to fly in microgravity aboard the Shuttle, International Space Station and Space Station MIR.

A native of Edinburg, Texas, Sam earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 1989 from Texas A&M University in College Station. He has received numerous honors for his contributions and dedication to the nation’s space program, including a Silver Snoopy Award and NASA's Exceptional Achievement Medal.

When not working at NASA, Sam and his family like to travel. They have driven the distance to the Moon and back in their 2008 Prius (if you want to get real geeky, that would be 4.4 light seconds).