In his new role, Acaba will be responsible for handling astronaut resources and operations. He also will assist establish astronaut flight team operation principles and make crew tasks for future spaceflight objectives, consisting of astronauts appointed to fly on Artemis objectives.
NASA Portrait of astronaut Joe Acaba. Credit: NASA
” Our Johnson Space Center team praises Joe Acaba on his selection to chief of the Astronaut Office. “I extend my sincerest thanks to Reid Wiseman for his devoted service to the Astronaut Office, as he completed the significant job of preparing our astronaut corps for daring objectives to and from the International Space Station, and incorporating their expertise and area knowledge to develop and check future technologies, software, and procedures, making space travel safer, reputable, comfortable, and obtainable for our countrys explorers.
A veteran of three spaceflights, Acaba was born in Inglewood, California. He earned a bachelors degree in geology at University of California in Santa Barbara, one masters degree in geology from the University of Arizona, and one in education, curriculum and direction from Texas Tech University, Lubbock. Prior to his selection as an astronaut prospect in 2004, Acaba spent time in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves and the Peace Corps, worked as a hydrogeologist, and taught high school and middle school.
” Joe is an excellent leader who brings a wealth of experience to the Astronaut Office,” said NASAs Director of Flight Operations Norm Knight, who made the selection. “Knowing the significance of this position and the integrity of those who have actually formerly served, I am confident Joe will be an impressive chief for the Astronaut Office who will effectively lead our astronauts through an exciting future.”
Acaba invested 306 days in space, functioning as mission professional on area shuttle Discoverys STS-119 objective and as flight engineer aboard the International Space Station for Expeditions 31 and 32 in 2012, in addition to Expeditions 53 and 54 in 2017-2018. Throughout that time, he took part in three spacewalks building and updating the spaceport station, supported the arrival of the very first business resupply spacecraft, SpaceXs Dragon, in May 2012. He was aboard the station when its basic team complement increased from three to 6, enabling NASA and its international partners to double the amount time committed to research study. Given that returning to Earth, he has supported the astronaut workplace in a variety of functions, consisting of director of operations in Russia, and chief of the Vehicle Integration Test Office.
Wiseman served as primary astronaut for two years prior to stepping down on November 14, 2022, to go back to the pool of astronauts qualified for flight assignments. Feustel will continue to support the Astronaut Office.
NASA astronaut Joe Acaba positions for a picture on September 16, 2020, in heaven Flight Control Room at NASAs Johnson Space Center in Houston. Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls
NASA has picked seasoned astronaut Joe Acaba as chief of the Astronaut Office at the companys Johnson Space Center in Houston. A decorated veteran of multiple spaceflights, also a former U.S. Marine and former educator, Acaba is the first individual of Hispanic heritage selected to lead the office.
Acaba fills in NASA astronaut Drew Feustel, who invested two years as deputy chief and has been acting chief of the office because NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman left the post late last year.
Joe is a knowledgeable space flyer and a tested leader, and he will certainly inspire the next generation of NASA astronauts. As we develop on the International Space Stations unparalleled success in low-Earth orbit with our eyes on the Moon and then Mars, Joe will play an integral function in ensuring our NASA astronauts are prepared for the obstacles ahead,” stated NASA Administrator Bill Nelson.
Joe is a skilled space flyer and a proven leader, and he will unquestionably motivate the next generation of NASA astronauts. As we construct on the International Space Stations unrivaled success in low-Earth orbit with our eyes on the Moon and then Mars, Joe will play an important role in guaranteeing our NASA astronauts are prepared for the obstacles ahead,” stated NASA Administrator Bill Nelson.” Our Johnson Space Center team congratulates Joe Acaba on his choice to chief of the Astronaut Office. “I extend my sincerest thanks to Reid Wiseman for his devoted service to the Astronaut Office, as he completed the tremendous job of preparing our astronaut corps for bold objectives to and from the International Space Station, and integrating their competence and space knowledge to establish and test future technologies, software, and treatments, making area travel more secure, dependable, comfy, and achievable for our nations explorers. I appreciate his willingness to step in and help prepare our countrys astronauts to check out area for the benefit of humankind.”
