Deborah Edwards Barnhart, the longtime leader of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and a champion of its world-renowned Space Camp programs, has died. She was 73.

Rocket Center officials said Barnhart passed away early Wednesday following a brief illness.

Barnhart served as CEO and executive director of the Rocket Center from 2010 until her retirement in December 2019, helping guide the organization through a period of recovery and growth.

Her final year leading the center coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing, a milestone celebration that brought record attendance to the museum and its Space Camp programs.

Known for her motto “Keep the Center at the Center,” Barnhart was credited with stabilizing the institution financially and strengthening its mission to inspire young people to pursue careers in science and exploration, according to a statement from the Space and Rocket Center.

Her connection to the Rocket Center spanned decades. Barnhart first joined the organization in 1972 and held a variety of roles over the years, including work in media, marketing and corporate fundraising.

She later served as director of Space Camp during a period of significant growth before returning in 2010 as CEO.

Outside the Rocket Center, Barnhart built a career in the aerospace and defense industry, serving as a vice president for companies including Honeywell International, McDonnell Douglas and United Technologies Aerospace.

Barnhart also served 26 years in the U.S. Navy, retiring as a captain. She was among the first 10 women assigned to duty aboard Navy ships and commanded five units during her military career.

She earned a bachelor’s degree from The University of Alabama in Huntsville, master’s degrees in business administration from both University of Maryland and MIT Sloan School of Management, and a doctorate in strategy and supervision from Vanderbilt University.

During her career, Barnhart received numerous honors, including NASA’s Distinguished Public Service Medal.

The Rocket Center said her legacy continues through the generations of students and visitors inspired by Space Camp and the center’s educational programs.

Donations in her memory may be made to the Dr. Deborah Edwards Barnhart Endowed Scholarship, which supports the Rocket Center and Space Camp mission.