NASA Goddard Center Director Makenzie Lystrup Steps Down

The Director of NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Makenzie B. Lystrup, has announced her resignation. Her last day will be August 1, and Cynthia Simmons will take over as Acting Center Director. Lystrup expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the center through various achievements, including missions to an asteroid, Earth observations, and upcoming projects like the Habitable Worlds Observatory. She emphasized the importance of collaboration and the need for change and evolution at Goddard. Despite stepping down, Lystrup remains a supporter of the center's mission and legacy.

Reflecting on the legacy of Robert H. Goddard, Lystrup commended the dedication and passion of the Goddard team in advancing space exploration. She expressed appreciation for the collective expertise and commitment that have made Goddard and NASA global leaders in space science and technology.