NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro Announces Retirement Plans
Janet Petro, the director of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, has announced her retirement. Petro, who began her career as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army, joined NASA in 2007 and has held various leadership roles, including acting administrator from January to July 2025. As the 11th director of the Kennedy Space Center, Petro has been instrumental in transforming the center into a premier multiuser spaceport. Her leadership included collaborations with the Federal Aviation Administration and the U.S. Air Force to enhance government efficiency and support commercial space operations. Petro's career began after graduating from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where she was part of the second class to include women. She also holds a master's degree in business administration from Boston University.