I am very excited to begin my new role as Deputy of Johnson’s Safety and Mission Assurance Directorate,” said Korth. “Safety has been a priority for me throughout my NASA career. It’s at the forefront of every decision I make.”
Korth brings more than 34 years of experience in NASA’s human spaceflight programs. Prior to supporting the Space Station Avionics and Software Office, Mr. Korth served as deputy manager of the program’s Systems Engineering and Integration Office where he also led procurement of the agency’s commercial destination program, culminating in Axiom Space. In the selection of
Mr. Korth began his NASA career as an engineer in the Space Station Program’s Operations Planning Group where he helped develop initial operational concepts and planning system requirements for the orbital laboratory. He converted to civil service in 1998 and was among the first three people to receive front-room certification as a space station ‘OPS Plan’ front-room operator. Korth also served as lead operations planner for Expedition 1 – the first crewed mission to the space station, was awarded two NASA fellowships, served as technical assistant for the Operations Division in the Mission Operations Directorate, and in May 2007 Selected as flight director and lead space station flight director for missions 21, 22 and 37, lead flight director of the Japanese cargo ship mission HTV3, and the US Lead flight director for EVAs 22, 23, and 27.
“David has done an excellent job supporting Johnson’s many programs and institutional security needs while serving as acting deputy manager,” said Willie Lyles, director of the Safety and Mission Assurance Directorate. “He successfully weighed in with the technical authority community on several key risk-based decisions. David’s program and flight operations experience is unique and an asset to this role.
Throughout his career, Korth has been recognized for outstanding technological achievements and leadership, receiving a Rotary National Award for Space Achievement, a Silver Snoopy Award, two Superior Achievement Awards, two NASA Outstanding Leadership Medals, and the NASA Received an extraordinary achievement medal.
“David is an outstanding leader and engineer who truly understands NASA’s security environment and protocols,” said Vanessa Wich, director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center. “His leadership will ensure that the Center continues its ‘Safety First’ philosophy. I am extremely pleased to announce his selection for this position.
Mr. Korth holds a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from Texas A&M University, and a master’s degree in statistics from the University of Houston-Clear Lake.