Former astronaut Christina Koch appointed NASA's acting deputy chief engineer

Christina Koch, who has logged over 300 days in space across multiple expeditions to the International Space Station, has assumed the role of acting deputy chief engineer at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The appointment places her in a key position overseeing engineering operations and strategic initiatives within NASA's organizational structure.

Koch's career with NASA spans nearly two decades, during which she has conducted numerous spacewalks and contributed to critical maintenance and research operations aboard the ISS. Her technical expertise and hands-on experience with complex spacecraft systems have established her as a valued member of the agency's engineering and operations teams.

In her new capacity, Koch will be responsible for supporting NASA's chief engineer in overseeing the technical direction of agency programs and projects. The role encompasses coordination across multiple NASA centers and collaboration with external partners on engineering excellence and innovation.

The appointment reflects NASA's continued emphasis on leveraging the experience of its most accomplished personnel for leadership positions. Koch's background in both practical spaceflight operations and engineering analysis positions her to contribute meaningfully to the agency's ongoing missions and future exploration objectives.