President Joe Biden will nominate former NASA astronaut and Air Force colonel Pamela Melroy to function NASA’s deputy administrator, in keeping with a White House announcement launched Friday (April 16).Biden had introduced his nomination of former Florida Senator Bill Nelson to guide the company in March; each nominations should be accepted by the Senate. During her time as an astronaut, Melroy was certainly one of solely two ladies to command the house shuttle.”It’s a great honor to be nominated by President Biden to support Senator Nelson and help lead NASA,” Melroy stated in an announcement obtained by Florida Today. “The agency is critical in America’s fight to combat climate change and maintain leadership in space.”Related: 2nd lady shuttle commander recounts spaceflight joys, challengesAs a NASA astronaut, Melroy flew three house shuttle missions throughout the development of the International Space Station, together with two flights on Discovery and one on Atlantis, in keeping with her NASA biography. She was mission commander of her last flight in 2007, becoming a member of Eileen Collins as the one two ladies to command the house shuttle.When not flying herself, Melroy acted as Capsule Communicator, the individual in Mission Control who talks with crewmembers in house, and in different assist roles. In addition, she served on two groups that NASA assembled within the wake of the lack of house shuttle Columbia in 2003 to gather particles and examine the catastrophe.Melroy had served within the Air Force earlier than turning into an astronaut. She retired from NASA in 2009 to work first for the Federal Aviation Administration after which the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). After his election in November, Biden chosen her to serve on the NASA overview group that helped facilitate his transition as regards to the company.Nelson’s affirmation listening to in entrance of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee is scheduled for Wednesday (April 21). During his time within the Senate, Nelson sat on that very same committee.”I believe that Pam Melroy will be a great partner to help lead NASA,” Bill Nelson stated in an announcement additionally obtained by Florida Today. “Pam has the longstanding technical and leadership experience that will help NASA on its mission to explore the cosmos, expand climate change research, and ensure NASA-developed technologies benefit life here on Earth.”Acting NASA Administrator Steve Jurczyk additionally welcomed the choice in an announcement launched by NASA right this moment. “Pam’s experience as an astronaut, shuttle space commander, and U.S. Air Force test pilot would bring to NASA a unique perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing the agency,” Jurczyk stated. “Pam is driven by a desire to solve the biggest issues here on Earth, throughout the solar system, and beyond. She is a proven leader with bold vision and, if confirmed by the Senate, I look forward to working with her and Sen. Nelson to ensure NASA’s future success.”Editor’s observe: This story was up to date to incorporate remark from performing NASA Administrator Steve Jurczyk. Email Meghan Bartels at [email protected] or observe her on Twitter @meghanbartels. Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom and on Facebook.
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