NASA has announced a new appointment within its engineering team. Astronaut and agency engineer Christina Koch will begin her duties as NASA's acting deputy chief engineer starting Sunday, November 1st. This appointment comes following the retirement of Catherine Van Houzler, who will conclude her service at the agency on Wednesday, October 21st, after more than 35 years of work. In her new position, Koch will participate in leading NASA's engineering community, supporting the agency's technical and project processes. Christina Koch is recognized as an experienced astronaut who has participated in long-duration space missions, and her transition to an administrative engineering position reflects the combination of practical spaceflight experience with technical leadership. NASA emphasized the significance of Van Houzler's contribution throughout her years of service, noting her role in advancing the agency's engineering programs. The transfer of responsibilities to the new acting deputy chief engineer is intended to ensure continuity in the management of NASA's engineering projects during a period of preparation for new space missions.