Cash will oversee one of NASA’s largest field centers, which employs more than 5,000 civil service and contractor staff and handles a broad portfolio of propulsion, space systems, scientific research, and technology development. Marshall plays a critical role in NASA’s Artemis program, including development of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and management of the Human Landing System Program, as well as other capabilities for sustained lunar exploration and future missions to Mars. The center is also advancing nuclear power and propulsion, an area expected to grow as NASA works toward sending humans to Mars.
Isaacman said Cash is a “Marshall legend” who has spent his career around the hardware and people, and who has been in the seat making decisions when human spaceflight is on the line. He expressed gratitude to Rae Ann Meyer for her leadership during the transition and her continued service to NASA.
Amit Kshatriya, NASA associate administrator and chief engineer, noted that leading a NASA center requires commitment to its people and technical capabilities. “Steve understands that the jewel of Marshall is its workforce and that engineering excellence is sustained by giving talented people the opportunity to design, build, test, and learn through hands-on work,” Kshatriya said. He added that Cash’s leadership will help ensure the workforce has opportunities to develop and apply the expertise needed for the agency’s most ambitious missions.