NASA has appointed Joel Montalbano as the acting associate administrator for the Space Operations Mission Directorate (SOMD) at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Dana Hutcherson will also serve as the acting program manager of the Commercial Crew Program, effective immediately.
The SOMD oversees various programs and activities including the Commercial Crew Program, the Commercial Low Earth Orbit Program, the Human Research Program, the International Space Station Program, the Launch Services Program, the Rocket Propulsion Test Program, the Space Communications and Navigation Program, Space Sustainability, and Human Spaceflight Capabilities.
Both Montalbano and Hutcherson were previously deputies in their respective roles. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman expressed confidence in their abilities to contribute effectively to NASA’s mission and maintain American leadership in low Earth orbit. Kenneth Bowersox, the previous administrator, announced his retirement effective Friday, March 6.
Montalbano’s key priorities will include establishing a low Earth orbit economy before retiring the International Space Station and maintaining America’s position of prominence in space. Prior to his current role, Montalbano served as program manager of the International Space Station at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.
“Original Source: NASA Announcement