[3] In addition to his academic achievements, Adams holds a private pilot's license.

[4] The Planetary Science Division, directed by James L. Green, is responsible for NASA Solar System exploration efforts including the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, Mars Exploration Rover, and New Horizons missions.

In 1979, he joined General Electric as an engineer working on a variety of military and civilian space systems.

Most recently he served as the Project Manager for the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS).

During his career, Adams has worked on the design, development, testing and operations of over 24 launched spacecraft, across three scientific disciplines and human spaceflight.