ASRC Research and Technology Solutions, a provider of a broad range of research, engineering and scientific services as well as product development services, announced that former NASA astronaut and retired U.S. Navy Capt. Scott Altman has joined the company as its vice president of strategic planning.

A veteran of four space flights, Altman most recently served as chief of the Exploration Branch within the Astronaut Office at NASA's Johnson Space Center.

"Scott brings extensive leadership and technical expertise that will help ARTS define our future path as we strive to provide outstanding service to NASA, the FAA, the Navy and other government agencies," said Gregg Einfalt, ARTS president.

 "As a former Navy pilot and space shuttle commander, Scott lends a unique perspective to our company's vision for future growth within these government sectors and the evolving commercial space market. He will play a key role in executing our strategy for long-term success," Einfalt added.

Altman, as the new vice president of strategic planning is said to lead ARTS' strategic planning process and will focus on leveraging the company's expertise in engineering, information technology and technical services within the space, aviation and defense industries. He will also lead new business initiatives within the commercial space market.

Prior to joining ARTS, Altman has gained a distinguished career with NASA and the Navy. He has logged more than 7,000 hours in over 40 types of aircraft and was awarded the Navy Air Medal for his role as a strike leader flying over Southern Iraq in support of Operation Southern Watch.

Altman has logged more than 51 days in space. He was the pilot on the STS-90 Neurolab science mission in 1998 and the STS-106 mission in 2000 to prepare the International Space Station for arrival of the first permanent crew. He was mission commander on two Hubble Space Telescope servicing missions--STS-109 in 2002 and STS-125 in 2009. Additional NASA assignments included shuttle branch chief for the Astronaut Office, lead for the Cockpit Avionics Upgrade, and temporary duty as deputy director of the Requirements Division of the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters.

Altman has a bachelor's degree in aeronautical and astronautical engineering from the University of Illinois and a master's in aeronautical engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School.

ASRC Research and Technology Solutions (News - Alert) is a subsidiary of ASRC Federal Holding Company. The company is headquartered in Greenbelt, Md.