posted 07-24-2009 03:13 PM               

Veteran Astronaut Pam Melroy Leaves NASA

NASA astronaut Pam Melroy is leaving the agency to take a job in the private sector. Melroy, a retired Air Force colonel, is a veteran of three space shuttle flights and the second woman to command one.

"Pam has performed superbly as an astronaut," said Steve Lindsey, chief of the Astronaut Office at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. "She has flown three highly successful space shuttle missions and contributed in several other technical areas during her 14 years of service with the Astronaut Office. Her leadership as the commander of the STS-120 space shuttle mission paved the way to six-person crew operations on the International Space Station."

"As a classmate and a friend, I feel privileged to have served beside her. We wish Pam the best of luck in her new career -- she will be missed," Lindsey added.

Melroy flew on shuttle missions STS-92 in 2000, STS-112 in 2002 and STS-120 in 2007. She served as pilot on her first two flights and commanded the third. She has logged more than 924 hours in space, contributing to the construction of the space station on every mission. She was selected as an astronaut in December 1994.

Melroy made history with Expedition 16 Commander Peggy Whitson in October 2007 when the hatches between the space shuttle and space station were opened. They became the first female spacecraft commanders to lead space shuttle and space station missions concurrently.

posted 07-28-2009 10:28 PM               

Pam is a true treasure. I first met her when she came out to Australia in the mid-1990s to give a talk at our Australian International Space School. Same old story; the kids were a little disappointed because NASA had sent someone who hadn't flown, but I told them they could now follow her career and rejoice in her accomplishments - which became many. She was tremendous with the kids on this and subsequent visits down here, and did all she could to promote space science with young people.

posted 08-11-2009 11:36 AM               

She is moving over to Lockheed Martin to take on the post of deputy program manager for engineering in the space exploration initiative. There Melroy will oversee the contracted work on the new Orion crew exploration vehicle, which NASA plans to use to fly humans to the moon and Mars.

"I'm very much in support of the Orion design and the Orion program," Melroy said. "I think it's time for us to get out of low Earth orbit and Orion is going to take us there. We're ready to go the moon."

posted 08-13-2009 10:58 AM               

Pam Melroy Joins Lockheed Martin's IS&GS - Civil, Exploration & Science Team

Lockheed Martin announced that Pam Melroy has joined the Exploration and Science team as Director and Deputy Program Manager of the Space Exploration Initiatives (SEI) Program Office.

Melroy is a veteran Space Shuttle Commander and Air Force test pilot. She has flown three Space Shuttle Missions, served as the Deputy Project Manager for the Columbia crew survival investigation and the Reconstruction Lead on the Columbia Crew Module. She served as a lead test pilot for development of the C-17 aircraft and most recently has been working as the Branch Chief for the Astronaut office working on the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle.

"We are extremely pleased to have a person of Pam Melroy's background and capabilities to support the Orion Program and to help lead the business in space exploration," said Rick Hieb, Vice President Lockheed Martin IS&GS — Civil, Exploration & Science programs. "Pam's extensive knowledge of the human space program will play a critical role in helping our customers meet their future space mission challenges."

Lockheed Martin is building Orion, the next generation space vehicle for NASA, which will take humans to the Space Station, to the moon, and on to Mars.

Melroy received a Bachelor of Arts in Physics and Astronomy from Wellesley College and a Master of Science in Earth and Planetary Sciences from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

posted 10-09-2017 09:09 PM               

The retired astronaut was in SA this week for the International Astronautical Congress when the Federal Government announced the agency's creation. Colonel Melroy has been visiting Australia for more than 20 years to talk to students about space, and her hopes are that the agency will stop the brain drain. "There's so much talent here and so much interest. And it's my hope that this space agency will provide the focus to enable a very robust industry that allows all that Australian native talent to stay here in Australia," she said.

"So the ones who want to work in space don't have to go to another country to do it."

posted 11-02-2017 08:49 PM               

Former Space Shuttle Commander Pamela Melroy Joins PSI Board of Directors

Pamela Melroy (Colonel, USAF, Retired), a retired test pilot and astronaut, has joined the Board of Trustees at the Planetary Science Institute.

Melroy has a bachelor's degree from Wellesley College in Physics and Astronomy and a master's degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Planetary Science. After serving the United States Air Force and NASA, she worked at Lockheed Martin on the Orion program, and was acting Deputy Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation at the Federal Aviation Administration. She most recently served as Deputy Director, Tactical Technology Office at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).

The Planetary Science Institute studies the origin, characteristics, and evolution of planetary systems, including our solar system, Earth itself, and planetary systems around other stars. It conveys the resulting knowledge to the scientific community, and to the public at large to promote science education and science literacy. It further uses this knowledge to advance human activity in space and shape the future of robotic exploration of the solar system.

"Pamela Melroy embodies the lifelong ambitions shared by many of us in space exploration," said Mark Sykes, CEO and Director of PSI. "Her deep experience in human spaceflight, the aerospace industry, and related government programs will be of great value as we continue to expand the impact and application of our work."

"I truly look forward to joining the PSI board," said Melroy. "It's wonderful to be involved again with my first scientific passion -- planetary science -- and to support planetary scientists in their quest for knowledge of our universe."

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.

posted 09-02-2025 01:01 PM               

Venus Aerospace Appoints Former NASA Leader to Its Board of Directors

Venus Aerospace, the Houston-based startup redefining rocket engine propulsion, today announced the appointment of aerospace veteran Pamela Melroy, former NASA Deputy Administrator, to its Board of Directors.

Melroy is one of the most accomplished figures in aerospace, whose career spans military, government, commercial, and international leadership. Her experiences include flying combat missions in the U.S. Air Force, sustaining America's International Space Station, and serving as a NASA astronaut. As an executive leader at NASA, DARPA, and the FAA, Melroy shaped America's strategy in space, accelerated commercial space partnerships, and deepened space exploration. In the private sector, Melroy has held industry leadership roles including at Lockheed Martin, as well as board and advisory positions with defense contractors, and has advised on the establishment of the Australian Space Agency. Earlier in her career, Melroy became one of only two women to ever command a Space Shuttle mission.

"Pam is a preeminent leader in the world of aerospace and has already shaped the future of industry through her leadership at NASA," said Sassie Duggleby, Co-founder and CEO of Venus Aerospace. "We're honored to welcome her at a moment when Venus has taken our historic rocket engine from concept to flight-proven. Pam brings extraordinary experience and vision to help us scale this breakthrough and capture a $100 billion propulsion market."

"Advanced rocket propulsion has been of interest to me for over a decade, and Venus Aerospace's recent achievements in demonstrating the stability of rotating detonation rocket engines represent a significant development. I'm excited to join the team in scaling this transformational capability." said Melroy.

Redefining Propulsion: A Generational Leap in Technology 60 Years in the Making

Venus Aerospace has delivered the first major advance in rocket engines in more than six decades and is now the only company in the world with a flight-proven, high-thrust Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine (RDRE). In flight, Venus's RDRE delivers 15% greater efficiency than legacy systems and increases payload-to-orbit capacity by up to four times.

In May 2025, Venus completed the first-ever flight of its RDRE. This historic test proved that detonation-based propulsion is flight-ready and capable of outperforming legacy engines in efficiency, size, and cost. Since then, Venus has seen a surge of interest in its engines across the multi-billion aerospace industry. With unmatched performance and a design built for scale, the company is positioned to be the premier propulsion company powering aerospace.

About Venus Aerospace: Founded in 2020, Venus Aerospace is revolutionizing rocket engine technology. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, the company is building the world's first scalable platform for high-performance, reusable propulsion based on its proprietary Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine (RDRE) and Venus Detonation Ramjet (VDR). Together, these systems form a next-generation engine architecture that enables continuous flight from takeoff to hypersonic cruise on a single integrated platform—unlocking breakthrough capabilities across defense, space, and commercial high-speed flight. Venus's technology is designed to power the next era of aerospace innovation, from space launch and a range of military applications to the company's long-term commercial vision: Stargazer M4, a future high-speed aircraft capable of two-hour global travel. Venus is backed by top-tier investors including Airbus Ventures, America's Frontier Fund, Trousdale Ventures, and Prime Movers Lab, and is supported by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFWERX), NASA, DARPA, and the United States Air Force.