Bob Cabana Tapped as NASA Associate Administrator

May 11, 2021 – Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana will become NASA’s next associate administrator.

Newly appointed NASA Administrator Bill Nelson confirmed the appointment.

Robert D. Cabana
Image Credit: NASA

“When Bill asked me, I couldn’t say no. I’m really looking forward to working with him in this new position along with Pam Melroy,” Cabana told FLORIDA TODAY, referring to President Biden’s recent nomination of Melroy to the No. 2 slot of deputy administrator.

Deputy KSC Director Janet Petro will temporarily fill the position at KSC as acting center director.

“Janet has been an absolutely awesome deputy and I think that’s the hardest thing about leaving,” said Cabana. “I have the most amazing team down here. Janet’s taken every hard pass that I’ve thrown at her and excelled at it.”

Cabana in 1993. Image Credit: NASA

A former Marine Corps test pilot turned astronaut, Cabana is a staunch proponent of Florida’s role in spaceflight and has helped extend the long arms of space enterprise here on Earth. In 1985 he was named to the NASA astronaut corps, was launched from KSC four times, on three different shuttles. Nelson, also a former astronaut, met the young astronaut, Cabana, when they were both training for space missions.

Cabana’s promotion reinforces Florida’s influence at NASA. Nelson was born in Miami. KSC-based Kathy Lueders serves as the agency’s chief of human spaceflight.

SOURCE: Emre Kelly/FLORIDA TODAY