In a significant development, NASA has appointed David Korth as deputy for Johnson Space Center’s Safety and Mission Assurance directorate. He has been previously serving as the deputy manager of the International Space Station Avionics and Software Office at Johnson Space Center before serving as acting deputy for safety and mission assurance.
“I am excited to embark on my new role as deputy for Johnson’s Safety and Mission Assurance directorate,” Korth said.
“Safety has been a priority for me throughout my NASA career. It is at the forefront of every decision I make,” he stated.
Professional Journey of David Korth
Notably, Korth has brought more than 34 years of experience to NASA human spaceflight programs. Before working in the space station Avionics and Software Office, he was the deputy manager of the Systems Engineering and Integration Office.
He also led the process to select Axiom Space for the Commercial Destination program.
Korth began his journey at NASA as an engineer working on the space station’s program’s operation planning. He helped in creating the first plans and meeting the requirements of the space station throughout his tenure.
In the year 1998, he was converted to civil servant and was among the three individuals to achieve the front room certification as a space station ‘OPS PLAN’ front room operator.
Further, Korth also served as the lead operations planner for Expedition 1. This was NASA’s first space station crewed expedition. He received two NASA fellowships and worked as a technical assistant in the Mission Operations Directorate. In May 2007, he became a flight director and led various missions for Expeditions 21, 22, and 37, the Japanese cargo ship HTV3, and US spacewalks 22, 23, and 27. He was the lead flight director for US EVAs 22, 23, and 27.
What Willie Lyles Says on David Korth’s Appointment
Willie Lyles, director of the Safety and Mission Assurance directorate, emphasized Korth’s journey, stating, “David did an excellent job supporting Johnson’s many programs and institutional safety needs while serving as acting deputy manager.”
“He successfully weighed in on several critical risk-based decisions with the technical authority community. David’s program and flight operations experience is unique and is an asset to this role.”
Recognitions and Achievements of David Korth
Additionally, Korth has been recognized for outstanding technical achievements and leadership. He was also honored with a Rotary National Award for Space Achievement, a Silver Snoopy award, two Superior Achievement awards, two NASA Outstanding Leadership medals, and a NASA Exceptional Achievement medal during his tenure.
What does Vanessa Wyche say?
Vanessa Wyche, who is the director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center commended Korth’s leadership and recognized his contributions to NASA. “David is an outstanding leader and engineer who truly understands NASA’s safety environment and protocols,” she said, adding, “His leadership will ensure the center continues its safety-first ideology. I am extremely pleased to announce his selection for this position.”
Academic Background
On the academic front, Korth has earned his bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from Texas A&M University. He also has a master’s degree in statistics from the University of Houston-Clear Lake.
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