NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro Retires, Kelvin Manning Steps In as Acting Director
Janet Petro has retired from her position as the director of NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Her tenure at NASA was marked by significant contributions, including her role in transforming the Kennedy Space Center into a leading multiuser spaceport. Petro's career at NASA spanned nearly two decades, during which she held various leadership roles, including serving as the acting NASA administrator from January to July 2025. In this capacity, she led a major reorganization within the agency. Before her time at NASA, Petro had a distinguished career in the military and aerospace industries, holding leadership positions at SAIC and McDonnell Douglas Aerospace. She began her professional journey as a commissioned officer in the Army, being part of the second class of West Point graduates to include women. Kelvin Manning, a 32-year veteran of the space industry, has been appointed as the acting center director. Manning has extensive experience, having served as the associate director of the Kennedy Space Center for ... 
