NASA has appointed astronaut Christina Koch as the new acting deputy chief engineer, following the retirement of Katherine Van Hooser.
NASA recently named astronaut Christina Koch as the agency’s acting deputy chief engineer. She begins this new position on November 1.
Also, she replaces Katherine Van Hooser. Van Hooser is retiring after more than 35 years of service to the agency.
Next, Koch will shift into management astronaut status. This change means she cannot accept future spaceflight assignments.
As deputy chief engineer, Koch will guide NASA’s engineering community. She will provide technical oversight and ensure mission readiness for various programs.
Meanwhile, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman praised her unique skills. He noted that she understands engineering from the ground and in space.
After that, Koch’s experience will support major future projects. These include lunar surface missions, a moon base, and future trips to Mars.
Previously, Koch served as a mission specialist for Artemis II. She also set a record for the longest spaceflight by a woman.
Also, she participated in the first all-female spacewalks during her 328 days on the International Space Station.
Before becoming an astronaut, Koch worked as an electrical engineer. She developed scientific instruments at the Goddard Space Flight Center.
Additionally, she gained experience through field engineering in the Arctic and Antarctica. She joined the astronaut corps in 2013.
Finally, the agency honored Van Hooser for her long career. She began working at NASA in 1991 at the Marshall Space Flight Center.
Throughout her tenure, Van Hooser led propulsion engineering efforts. She served as the first chief engineer for the Space Launch System’s engines.
As a result, her leadership helped guide the agency through many complex milestones. She leaves behind a strong legacy of technical excellence.