NASA Exploration Systems Associate Administrator Craig Steidle Officially Resigns

Associate Administrator for Exploration Systems Craig E. Steidle officially announced his resignation, effective June 24.

NASA Administrator Michael Griffin expressed his appreciation for Steidle’s hard work and leadership. “Craig helped to establish the directorate and put together a team dedicated to the development of the next generation of human spacecraft,” added Griffin. “I wish Craig the best with his future endeavors.”

The Exploration Systems Mission Directorate was created in 2004 after the President announced the Vision for Space Exploration. The Vision seeks to answer fundamental questions about our existence, responds to recent discoveries, and puts in place revolutionary technologies and capabilities to enable NASA to explore, discover and understand.

Prior to joining NASA in January 2004, Steidle was an independent aerospace consultant. He was Chief Aerospace Engineer and Vice Commander, Naval Air Systems Command, which develops, acquires and supports naval aeronautical systems.

Also today, Griffin announced that Doug Cooke, Deputy Associate Administrator for Directorate Integration, will serve as Acting Associate Administrator for Exploration Systems until a successor is named.