James A. Cutts

James A. Cutts is Manager of the Special Projects Office at JPL and is responsible for the development and demonstration of advanced concepts for solar system exploration. A major focus of this effort is planetary aerobots or robotic balloons. Prior to joining JPL Cutts was Manager of the Planetary Science Institute of Science Applications International Corporation and a scientific investigator with the Mariner 9 and Viking Orbiter Imaging teams. Prior to his present assignment at JPL, he was Program Manager for Advanced Concepts and Deputy Director of the Center for Space Microelectronics Technology, from 1988 to 1991. He has served as Chair of NASA’s Sensor Working Group from 1988 to 1990 and has served on other NASA and U.S. Air Force advisory committees. He has authored approximately 50 papers in planetary science, sensor technology and innovative space missions concepts. He holds a BA in Physics from Cambridge University, a M.S. degree (Geophysics) and Ph.D. (Planetary Science) from Caltech and a Certificate from UCLA’s Executive Management Program.

Biographical information from NASA GSFC.