NASA Deputy Administrator Wins 2025 National Space Award
“This honor is not only a reflection of my journey, but a testament to the incredible teams and visionaries I have been privileged to work with,” Melroy said. “Exploring space is the ultimate act of human desire, and it has been proven time and time again that when we dream together, we can achieve the impossible. Being selected for the National Space Trophy Award is a humbling reminder of how far we've come How far have we come – and how far can we go?”
Vanessa Wyche, director of NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, who nominated Melroy along with former NASA Johnson director Michael Coats, said: “Pam has made a name for herself through her exemplary leadership, I am thrilled and proud that Pam has received this well-deserved recognition for her dedication to mission excellence, paving the way for future generations to pursue careers in STEM fields, and making integral contributions to the advancement of space exploration. “
Melroy was sworn in as NASA's deputy administrator on June 21, 2021, assisting NASA Administrator Bill Nelson in making key agency decisions, defining the agency's strategic vision, and representing NASA to key government and international partners.
Melroy first joined NASA as an astronaut in 1994 and became one of only two women to fly the space shuttle. She spent more than 38 days in space and flew on three space shuttle missions, all of which contributed to the assembly of the International Space Station. She served as an STS-92 pilot in 2000, an STS-112 pilot in 2002, and an STS-120 pilot 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 U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and Australia's Nova Systems Pty. In addition, she is a consultant to the Australian Space Agency and a member of the National Space Council Users Advisory Group.
The Rotary National Space Achievement Award Foundation invites the public and the aerospace community to attend the Space Awards Gala, where Melroy will be awarded the National Space Trophy. For more information about Melroy, please visit:
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Amber Jacobson
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1600
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