NASA Names Astronaut Patrick Forrester New Chief of Astronaut Office

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Jun 02, 2017, 11:26 ET

HOUSTON, June 2, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- NASA's Director of Flight Operations Brian Kelly has appointed Texas native Patrick Forrester as the chief of the Astronaut Office. Forrester replaces U.S. Navy Capt. Christopher Cassidy, who has held the position since July 2015. Cassidy will return to the astronaut corps and resume his candidacy for flight assignment.

"Chris is an American hero," Kelly said. "He has been an exemplary leader of NASA's astronaut corps and has been instrumental in the integration of our entire flight operations as well as the selection of our newest astronaut class. His practical approach in tackling the many challenges that our astronauts encounter while living and working in space has been crucial to the continued success of our human spaceflight missions."

In his new role, Forrester will be responsible for managing Astronaut Office resources and operations. He also will help develop astronaut flight crew operation concepts and crew assignments for future spaceflight missions.

"I have known Pat for more than 20 years," Kelly said. "He will no doubt be an outstanding chief of the Astronaut Office. Pat is a well-respected and proven leader who will capably guide our astronauts as they reach beyond low-Earth orbit."

Forrester was born in El Paso, Texas. He earned a bachelor of science degree in applied sciences and engineering from the U. S. Military Academy, West Point, in 1979, and a master of science degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering from the University of Virginia in 1989. A former Army aviator, he has logged more than 5,300 hours in more than 50 different aircraft. Forrester retired from the Army in 2005."

After Forrester's selection as an astronaut in 1996, he flew on space shuttle missions STS-105 in 2001, STS-117 in 2007, and STS-128 in 2009. During his NASA career, Forrester has logged more than 950 hours in space and conducted four spacewalks.

For Forrester's complete biography, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/forreste.pdf

SOURCE NASA