NASA is preparing a crew for its first flight to the moon in over fifty years, and this crew if astronauts has a new leader. He is a former educator, astronaut, geologist and hydrologist, born in Inglewood California and of Puerto Rican descent, his name is Joe Acaba, the new Chief of Nasa’s Astronaut Office. Acaba succeeds Reid Wiseman, who held the position for two years.
Acaba will now lead the 41 active U.S. astronauts and 10 astronaut candidates in the corps. He also will coordinate missions and activities with the additional international astronauts from Canada, Japan and the United Arab Emirates who train as part of NASA’s human spaceflight program.
“Joe is an excellent leader who brings a wealth of experience to the astronaut office,” said NASA’s Director of Flight Operations Norm Knight, who made the selection. “Knowing the significance of this position and the integrity of those who have previously served, I am confident Joe will be an outstanding chief for the astronaut office who will successfully lead our astronauts through an exciting future.”
Acaba is NASA’s 18th chief astronaut, a position that was first created in 1962, Acaba is the first person of Latino heritage selected for the post.
“Our Johnson Space Center team congratulates Joe Acaba on his appointment to chief of the astronaut office,” said center director Vanessa Wyche. “We wish him well as he takes on this new and exciting leadership role.”
