posted 11-21-2007 02:06 PM               

Astronaut Joan E. Higginbotham has left NASA to accept a position in the private sector.

Higginbotham flew as a mission specialist on STS-116 in December 2006. She began her career at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla., in 1987, contributing to 53 space shuttle launches. She was selected as an astronaut in 1996.

"Joan has done a tremendous job as an astronaut during the past 11 years," Steve Lindsey, chief of the Astronaut Office at the Johnson Space Center, said. "She contributed her expertise to nearly every space shuttle and International Space Station mission. She will be missed, but we wish her the very best in her future endeavors."

Referring to her more than twenty years of government service, Higgenbotham said, "It was fine, but its time to move on."

posted 02-16-2012 05:24 PM               

She moved to Charlotte, North Carolina in October 2011 and is engaged to a city councilman there. A mid-June wedding is planned.

She says she is enjoying her new life in Charlotte and loves her new job. She is the Director of Community Relations for Lowe's, where she oversees the company's charitable and educational fund, which distributes about $20 million annually and has a primary focus on education in grades K-12 and community improvement in areas across the nation where Lowe's has operations.

posted 03-06-2021 08:00 PM               

The former astronaut is seriously considering the race, according to two people familiar with the situation, all of whom spoke on condition of anonymity. It’s not clear when she would make a final decision or launch a campaign. Higginbotham did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

posted 01-03-2024 11:56 AM               

The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) is pleased to announce the election of six new members to its Board of Directors. From commercial aviation, aerospace, and visionary aeronautics, the newest members bring extensive experience and enhanced direction to round out the Board...

Joan Higginbotham currently serves as the President of Joan Higginbothm Ad Astra, LLC. As a rocket scientist and retired NASA astronaut, Joan embodies a dedicated team mentality and focused organizational goals to further STEM opportunities for youth and all future leaders.