Carl Erwin Walz (Colonel, USAF, Ret.) is a former NASA astronaut currently working for Orbital Sciences Corporation's Advanced programmes Group as Vice President for Human Space Flight Operations. Walz was formerly assigned to the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC. He was the Acting Director for the Advanced Capabilities Division in the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate, and was responsible for a broad range of activities to include Human Research, Technology Development, Nuclear Power and Propulsion and the Lunar Robotic Exploration programmes to support the Vision for Space Exploration.