NASA announced Oct. 13, 2026, that Christina Koch will become its acting deputy chief engineer starting Nov. 1. The appointment follows the planned retirement of Katherine Van Hooser, who is set to leave NASA on Oct. 21 after more than 35 years with the agency, according to NASA’s announcement.
In the role, Koch will help oversee engineering work and support mission readiness across NASA programs. She will transition to management astronaut status and will no longer be eligible for future spaceflight assignments.
Koch most recently served as a mission specialist on the Artemis II flight in April 2026, which NASA described as the first crewed journey around the Moon in more than 50 years. She previously spent 328 consecutive days aboard the International Space Station and took part in the first all-female spacewalks.
An electrical engineer, Koch began her NASA career at Goddard Space Flight Center, where she worked on scientific instruments for space missions. NASA said she has also held leadership roles in the Astronaut Office and at Johnson Space Center.
Van Hooser has served as NASA’s deputy chief engineer since 2023 and previously held senior engineering roles, including work on the Space Shuttle main engine and the Space Launch System’s liquid engines. NASA said she will conclude her agency service Oct. 21.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and Associate Administrator and Chief Engineer Amit Kshatriya praised both Koch’s technical background and Van Hooser’s service in statements included in the agency announcement.
