NASA announced October 16 that Stephen Cash will become director of Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, effective October 19. He returns to the center where he began his NASA career in 1982.

Cash spent 34 years at NASA and held senior engineering and management positions, including leadership of Marshall’s shuttle propulsion office and its safety and mission-assurance organization. He retired from the agency in 2016 and later worked in aerospace industry leadership.

Marshall’s portfolio includes propulsion, space systems, scientific research and technology development. It supports the Space Launch System and manages NASA’s Human Landing System program, alongside work relevant to future lunar and Mars exploration.

NASA says the center has more than 5,000 civil-service and contractor employees. Cash succeeds Rae Ann Meyer, who has been acting director since September 2025 and will return to her deputy-director position.

The appointment establishes a leadership transition rather than announcing a launch or a new technical achievement. Its effective date is October 19; the October 16 announcement should not be described as Cash having already begun the role.