NASA Appoints Stephen Cash as Director of Marshall Space Flight Center

• NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman has appointed veteran engineer and aerospace executive Stephen Cash as the new director of the Marshall Space Flight Center, effective October 19.
• Cash, who began his career at Marshall over four decades ago, returns to lead the center as it advances critical missions under the Artemis program.

Center Responsibilities and Missions

• Marshall serves as a hub for propulsion, space systems, and scientific research, overseeing over 5,000 personnel.
• The center is responsible for the development of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the management of the Human Landing System Program.
• Future priorities include the advancement of nuclear power and propulsion technologies to support long-term lunar exploration and eventual human missions to Mars.

Leadership Transition

• Stephen Cash succeeds Rae Ann Meyer, who has served as the acting director since September 2025; Meyer will resume her previous role as Deputy Center Director.
• Prior to his appointment, Cash spent 34 years at NASA in senior management and safety roles, and most recently served as vice president for advanced space systems at Axient.
• In 2024, Cash was inducted into the Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame for his contributions to the U.S. space program.
• Management aims for Cash to focus on strengthening manufacturing, propulsion capabilities, and workforce development to ensure continued success in ambitious space exploration goals.