Mississippi native Christine Powell named first woman deputy director at NASA’s Stennis Space Center

Christine Powell, a Biloxi native and longtime propulsion engineer/manager, has been appointed as the new deputy director of NASA’s Stennis Space Center. On August 12, Powell will join the executive team at the south Mississippi propulsion site, bringing over three decades of experience and expertise.

John Bailey, the director of NASA Stennis, expressed enthusiasm for Powell’s new role, stating, “Christine’s extensive experience in propulsion testing and management, combined with her leadership positions here at NASA Stennis, uniquely qualifies her to help us innovate and grow into the future.”

Currently serving as the manager of the NASA Rocket Propulsion Test Program Office at NASA Stennis near Bay St. Louis, Powell oversees propulsion assets valued at more than $3.5 billion, manages the program’s operations and a $48 million annual budget, and is responsible for strategic planning for NASA’s key objectives.

As the first woman appointed as deputy director at NASA Stennis, Powell will work alongside the center director to coordinate all rocket propulsion test capabilities and manage the overall site. NASA Stennis is renowned as the nation’s largest and premier propulsion test site, supporting both government and commercial aerospace companies. It also serves as a regional aerospace and technology hub, hosting over 50 resident agencies, companies, organizations, and institutions.

Powell’s journey at NASA Stennis began as an intern in 1991. Over her 33-year career, she has held various roles, including instrumentation engineer, systems integration engineer, and several leadership positions. She has been recognized with numerous awards, including two NASA Exceptional Achievement Medals. Powell holds degrees from Mississippi State University and the University of New Orleans. She and her husband Ben, also a NASA Stennis engineer, reside in Carriere, Mississippi.