\n<\/p>\n
NASA has selected Dana Weigel as the International Space Station Program manager, based at the agency\u2019s Johnson Space Center in Houston. Weigel succeeds Joel Montalbano, who has accepted a position as deputy associate administrator for the agency\u2019s Space Operations Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Both positions will be effective April 7.<\/p>\n
\u201cDana is an excellent choice to lead the space station program during this remarkably busy time in human spaceflight, especially aboard humanity\u2019s home in orbit,\u201d said Ken Bowersox, NASA\u2019s associate administrator for space operations. \u201cWith Dana continuing her contributions to space station, Joel will bring his experience to the Space Operations directorate. NASA will continue to benefit from their human spaceflight knowledge as we maintain our unique capabilities in orbit and prepare for the future of the agency\u2019s operations in space.\u201d<\/p>\n
Weigel will bring 20 years of NASA experience to her new role. She\u2019s currently serving as the agency\u2019s deputy program manager for the International Space Station since 2021. As program manager, Weigel will be responsible for the overall management, development, integration, and operation of the orbital complex. She also has served in a number of key positions at NASA, including as the manager of the Space Station Vehicle Office from 2014 to 2021, where she was responsible for sustaining, sparing and developing systems and payload facility hardware, managing the risks, and integrating commercial and international partner elements into the International Space Station. She served as deputy chief of the Flight Director Office from 2012 through 2014 and was a flight director from 2004 to 2014. Weigel began her career with Barrios Technology in 1994 and became a NASA civil servant in 2004.<\/p>\n
A native of Baltimore, Weigel holds a bachelor\u2019s degree in mechanical engineering from Texas A&M University. Throughout her career, Weigel has been recognized for achievements including the Astronauts\u2019 Silver Snoopy Award in 2002; NASA\u2019s Exceptional Service Medal in 2006, 2010 and 2011; Outstanding Leadership Medal in 2008; Exceptional Achievement Medal in 2010; Silver Achievement Medal in 2014; and Distinguished Service Medal in 2022. She was also recognized as a Rotary National Award for Space Achievement Stellar award recipient in 2000 and 2007.<\/p>\n
\u201cDana\u2019s depth of expertise and International Space Station Program experience will be instrumental as we continue to explore low Earth orbit for the benefit of all humanity,\u201d said Johnson Center Director Vanessa Wyche. \u201cOn behalf of NASA Johnson, we are proud of Joel\u2019s contributions and dedication to mission excellence and look forward to his accomplishments as Space Operations Mission Directorate\u2019s deputy associate administrator.\u201d<\/p>\n
Montalbano will lend his vast experience to meet the nation\u2019s goals of establishing a low Earth orbit economy and to maintain America\u2019s leadership space. He has served as International Space Station Program manager since 2020. Prior to that, he was the deputy program manager since 2012. Montalbano began his career at Rockwell in June 1988 and became a NASA civil servant in August 1998, serving in a number of roles, including as a NASA flight director from 2000 to 2008.<\/p>\n
He earned a bachelor\u2019s degree in aerospace, aeronautical and astronautical engineering from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. Throughout his career, Montalbano has earned multiple NASA awards, including the Distinguished Service Medal in 2018. He received NASA\u2019s Exceptional Service Medal in 2003 and 2007, Outstanding Leadership Medal in 2004, and the Superior Accomplishment Award in 2007. He also was awarded the Astronauts\u2019 Silver Snoopy Award and the American Astronomical Society\u2019s Advancement of International Cooperation Award. In 2012, he was awarded Rank of Meritorious Executive, conferred by the President of the United States. Montalbano also has earned the Boy Scouts of America rank of Eagle Scout.<\/p>\n
The International Space Station is a hub for scientific research and technology demonstration. NASA and its partners continue to maximize use of the space station for research, where astronauts have lived and worked continuously for more than 23 years.<\/p>\n
The Space Operations Mission Directorate, which oversees the International Space Station Program, helps maintain a continuous human presence in space for the benefit of people on Earth. The programs within the directorate are the heart of NASA\u2019s exploration efforts, enabling Artemis, commercial space, science, and other agency missions through communication, launch services, research capabilities, and crew support.<\/p>\n
For more information about the International Space Station, visit:<\/p>\n
\n
-end-<\/p>\n
Josh Finch
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1600
joshua.a.finch@nasa.gov<\/p>\n<\/div>\n