Liu Deng-kai, Former Lead of NASA Mars Missions, Awarded Honorary Doctorate by Tatung University
Tatung University awarded an honorary doctorate to alumnus Liu Deng-kai, who served over 36 years at NASA's JPL and led multiple Mars exploration missions. Liu, a recipient of numerous NASA awards, currently contributes to Taiwanese education through the 'Connecting.TW' initiative. At the commencement, he encouraged graduates to become responsible engineers who serve others with technology and knowledge.
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- 📰 Published: June 1, 2026 at 11:37
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Tatung University conferred an honorary doctorate upon alumnus Liu Deng-kai of the Department of Electrical Engineering during this year's commencement ceremony. Liu, who served for many years at NASA and led several Mars exploration missions, encouraged graduates to become responsible engineers who use their technology and knowledge to serve others.
According to a press release issued by Tatung University today, Liu Deng-kai, an alumnus of the Department of Electrical Engineering, served at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) for over 36 years before retiring at the end of 2025. Having led multiple Mars exploration missions, he has received the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal three times and the JPL Excellence in Leadership and Technical Excellence awards twice.
Reflecting on his time at Tatung University, Liu stated that while electrical engineering was always his field of interest, he, like many young people, was full of expectations but uncertain about his future path. He never imagined that 60 years later, he would return to his alma mater to receive an honorary doctorate, expressing deep gratitude toward his family and the university.
From the era of slide rules to the age of artificial intelligence, and from space exploration to returning to the moon, Liu feels fortunate that technology has accomplished so much during his time at NASA. However, he also noted that after living and working in the United States for many years, he has seen both progress and increasing social division. "What we need is not just more advanced technology, but more cooperation, understanding, and a sense of responsibility."
Liu believes that whether it is the Tatung rice cooker or exploring space, both require the patience of mastering the basics. He encouraged graduates to become responsible and excellent engineers who serve others with technology and knowledge.
Tatung University President Ho Ming-kuo pointed out that Liu has made immense contributions to space exploration and has been tireless in his support for science education. Starting from Tatung University, Liu founded the "Connecting.TW" lecture series, inviting Silicon Valley elites to teach students from 14 universities via video conferencing. He urged graduates to learn from Liu to "maintain curiosity, possess the rigor of an engineer, and have a passion for service."
According to a press release issued by Tatung University today, Liu Deng-kai, an alumnus of the Department of Electrical Engineering, served at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) for over 36 years before retiring at the end of 2025. Having led multiple Mars exploration missions, he has received the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal three times and the JPL Excellence in Leadership and Technical Excellence awards twice.
Reflecting on his time at Tatung University, Liu stated that while electrical engineering was always his field of interest, he, like many young people, was full of expectations but uncertain about his future path. He never imagined that 60 years later, he would return to his alma mater to receive an honorary doctorate, expressing deep gratitude toward his family and the university.
From the era of slide rules to the age of artificial intelligence, and from space exploration to returning to the moon, Liu feels fortunate that technology has accomplished so much during his time at NASA. However, he also noted that after living and working in the United States for many years, he has seen both progress and increasing social division. "What we need is not just more advanced technology, but more cooperation, understanding, and a sense of responsibility."
Liu believes that whether it is the Tatung rice cooker or exploring space, both require the patience of mastering the basics. He encouraged graduates to become responsible and excellent engineers who serve others with technology and knowledge.
Tatung University President Ho Ming-kuo pointed out that Liu has made immense contributions to space exploration and has been tireless in his support for science education. Starting from Tatung University, Liu founded the "Connecting.TW" lecture series, inviting Silicon Valley elites to teach students from 14 universities via video conferencing. He urged graduates to learn from Liu to "maintain curiosity, possess the rigor of an engineer, and have a passion for service."
FAQ
When did Liu Deng-kai retire from NASA?
He retired at the end of 2025.