NASA leadership update

NASA confirms a leadership transition in the Office of International and Interagency Relations as Meredith McKay steps in as acting associate administrator.

NASA names acting head of international and interagency relations

NASA announced that Karen Feldstein will retire after more than 30 years in the role of associate administrator for international and interagency relations. Meredith McKay, the office’s deputy, will serve as acting associate administrator starting Monday, Aug. 18. Feldstein leaves a long record of expanding partnerships and shaping collaborations that include the Artemis Accords. She has been honored with Presidential Rank Awards in 2019 and 2024.

Wyche, who leads NASA on an acting basis, said that the ability to lead in space depends on close partnerships across government and worldwide. She noted that McKay brings deep knowledge of the global space landscape and strong relations with governments and agencies. The transition aims to keep the agency on a steady path as NASA pursues its civil space, science, and aeronautics priorities.

The move signals continuity over bold upheaval. In a field where diplomacy matters as much as rockets, keeping steady leadership in the international office matters for partner trust. Artemis aligned work and other diplomacy efforts rely on clear guidance and a confident voice.

McKay's background in international engagement suggests a focus on maintaining long term relationships with partner nations. Yet the transition also intersects with budget and policy debates at home and abroad, raising questions about how much room the office has to maneuver. The coming months will test whether this continuity portends stable cooperation or invites political scrutiny.

Highlights

Momentum in space diplomacy will depend on steady aims and clear purpose.