posted 04-16-2021 02:11 PM               

Today [April 16], President Joe Biden announced his intent to nominate...

• Pamela Melroy – Deputy Administrator, National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Pam Melroy (Colonel, USAF, ret) is an aerospace executive with government and industry experience across civil, commercial, and national security space. She is a retired U.S. Air Force test pilot and former NASA astronaut and Space Shuttle commander. Melroy is a veteran of Operation Just Cause and Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, with over 200 combat and combat support hours. She has logged more than 6,000 hours flight time in more than 50 different aircraft. Melroy flew three missions in space: as Space Shuttle pilot during STS-92 in 2000 and STS-112 in 2002, and as Space Shuttle Commander during STS-120 in 2007. One of only two women to command the Space Shuttle, she has logged more than 38 days in space.

After NASA, Melroy served as Deputy Program Manager for the Lockheed Martin Orion Space Exploration Initiatives program. She then returned to government, overseeing commercial space licensing activities at the Office of Commercial Space Transportation at the FAA as Director of Field Operations and acting Deputy Associate Administrator. She subsequently served as Deputy Director, Tactical Technology Office at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) where she directed a large advanced technology development portfolio. Melroy later was the Director of Space Technology and Policy for Nova Systems Pty, Australia and an advisor to the Australian Space Agency. She is an independent consultant and a member of the Users Advisory Group to the National Space Council.

posted 04-16-2021 02:21 PM               

It's a great honor to be nominated by President Biden to support Senator Nelson and help lead NASA. The agency is critical in America's fight to combat climate change and maintain leadership in space.

As a retired USAF Colonel and test pilot, former NASA astronaut and space shuttle commander, and a dynamic leader with a wide breadth of experience, I believe Pam Melroy will be a great partner to help lead NASA.

Pam has the longstanding technical and leadership experience that will help NASA on its mission to explore the cosmos, expand climate research, and ensure NASA-developed technologies benefit life here on Earth. It's important that NASA has a team leading the agency towards the future — one of partnership and collaboration with commercial providers and committed to advancing equity for all Americans. Together, we will work to help NASA reach its full potential and accomplish the agency's critical missions in the years and decades to come.

posted 04-16-2021 03:08 PM               

NASA Statement on Nomination of Pam Melroy for Agency Deputy Administrator

The following is a statement from Acting NASA Administrator Steve Jurczyk on Friday's announcement of the intended nomination by President Joe Biden of former NASA astronaut Pam Melroy to serve as the agency's deputy administrator:

"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. 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."

One of only two women to command a space shuttle, Melroy logged more than 38 days in space. All three of her missions were assembly missions to build the International Space Station. After serving more than two decades in the Air Force and as a NASA astronaut, Melroy took on a number of leadership roles, including at Lockheed Martin, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Nova Systems Pty, Australia, and as an advisor to the Australian Space Agency. She currently is an independent consultant and a member of the National Space Council's Users Advisory Group.

posted 06-17-2021 04:13 PM               

From NASA Administrator Bill Nelson (via Twitter):

Pam Melroy is a pioneer and veteran of NASA. She will be an outstanding leader as we venture further out to the stars! I look forward to leading NASA with her as a team.

posted 06-17-2021 04:52 PM               

Statements on Pam Melroy's Senate Confirmation as NASA Deputy Administrator

The following are statements from Pam Melroy and Administrator Bill Nelson on Thursday's U.S. Senate confirmation of Melroy as deputy administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration:

"It's an honor to be confirmed by the Senate to serve as NASA Deputy Administrator, and I am humbled by President Biden and Vice President Harris' confidence in me," Melroy said. "I look forward to returning to the NASA family and working with Administrator Nelson to ensure the United States continues to lead in space and beyond – exploring the wonders of the universe, expanding the Earth science research critical to combatting climate change, unlocking scientific discoveries that will change the world as we know it, and inspiring the next generation of discoverers and dreamers."

"Pam is a pioneer and veteran of NASA, and will be an outstanding leader as we venture farther out to the stars," said Nelson. "We certainly are lucky to have her on board, and I look forward to leading NASA with her as a team."

posted 06-21-2021 01:06 PM               

Pam Melroy is ceremonially sworn-in as the 15th NASA Deputy Administrator by NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, as her husband Doug Hollett, holds their family Bible, Monday, June 21, 2021, at NASA Headquarters Mary W. Jackson Building in Washington.

posted 01-14-2025 09:49 AM               

NASA Deputy Administrator to Receive 2025 National Space Award

The Rotary National Award for Space Achievement Foundation has selected NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, a retired United States Air Force colonel and former NASA astronaut, to receive the 2025 National Space Trophy on April 25 in Houston.

"This honor is not just a reflection of my journey but a testament to the incredible teams and visionaries I've been privileged to work alongside," said Melroy. "Exploring space is the ultimate act of human aspiration, proving time and again that when we dream together, we achieve the impossible. Being selected for the National Space Trophy is a humbling reminder of how far we've come — and how much further we can go."

Vanessa Wyche, director of NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, who nominated Melroy alongside former NASA Johnson director Michael Coats, said, "Pam has brilliantly paved the way for future generations pursuing careers in STEM fields through her exemplary leadership, dedication to mission excellence, and integral contributions to the advancement of space exploration. I am thrilled and immensely proud that Pam is receiving this well-deserved recognition."

Sworn in as NASA's deputy administrator on June 21, 2021, Melroy assists NASA Administrator Bill Nelson on key agency decisions, defines the agency's strategic vision, and represents NASA to key government and international partners.

Melroy first joined NASA as an astronaut in 1994 and holds the distinction of being only one of two women to command a space shuttle. She spent more than 38 days in space across three space shuttle missions, all contributing to the assembly of the International Space Station. She served as pilot for STS-92 in 2000 and STS-112 in 2002, and she commanded STS-120 in 2007.

After serving more than two decades in the U.S. Air Force and as a NASA astronaut, Melroy transitioned to leadership roles at Lockheed Martin, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, and Nova Systems Pty, Australia. Additionally, she was as an advisor to the Australian Space Agency and a member of the National Space Council's Users Advisory Group.

The Rotary National Award for Space Achievement Foundation invites members of the public and the aerospace community to attend the Space Awards gala where Melroy will be recognized with the National Space Trophy.