HUNTSVILLE — Joseph Pelfrey, director of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, resigned Thursday.
Pelfrey said in an email to employees at the space agency that as NASA focuses on its mission to return humans to the moon, it will be “important for agency leadership to move forward with a team they choose to execute the tasks at hand.”
Pelfrey was named director in February 2024 after serving as acting center director since July 2023 following the retirement of Jody Singer. Pelfrey joined Marshall in 2004.
His email reads:
“Team, As we enter the last quarter of 2025 and the year long celebration of Marshall’s 65th anniversary, I’ve enjoyed reflecting on all the amazing achievements our workforce and this community have accomplished for our Nation’s goals in space exploration. I’ve been encouraged by the examples of innovation, perseverance and resilience that has defined the legacy of Marshall Space Flight Center. What became even more clear to me is how our people, all of you and those that came before us, are the most important ingredient to that legacy… not a single program, not a single accomplishment and not a single person.
“As the Agency continues to embark on a bold mission to return humans to the moon, it will take the full attention of its leaders and the people they serve. It will also be important for Agency leadership to move forward with a team they choose to execute the tasks at hand.
“With that in mind, it’s time for me to step out of the Center Director role. I will work with Agency leadership to pursue new ways I can serve our space program and our great Nation. Leading Marshall these last few years has been the honor of a lifetime and I couldn’t be prouder of how you have endeavored to persevere, delivered on the mission and created a bright future for years to come.
“I leave you in capable hands with Rae Ann, Roger, and the entire center leadership team. They have been great partners and have a shared vision for the future of our center and the contributions you all can bring to help our Agency be successful.”
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