NASA Flight Directors

Two generations of guidance, grit, and go/no-go decisions 🚀

Standing alongside Gerry Griffin, Apollo-era Flight Director #6 (Gold Team), who helped guide missions like Apollo 12, 15, 16, and 17—reminds us what it means to lead when it matters most.

From Apollo to Artemis, carrying the legacy forward.

Honored to have welcomed the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets, Squadron 17 to Mission Control yesterday for NASA’s Day of Remembrance. We paused to remember the crews of Apollo 1, Challenger, and Columbia whose courage, sacrifice, and commitment to exploration continue to guide everything we do. Standing in this room with the future leaders was a powerful reminder that space flight is greater than any single mission, it’s a legacy built on service, teamwork and responsibility.

Today we’re wishing Vista Flight/Nicole McElroy and her family all the best as they launch into their new mission of parenthood! Nicole, Lead Flight Director for Expedition 73, will be missed here in Mission Control for a little while, but we’re excited to welcome the newest little explorer to the team soon.

🚀 Ever wondered what it’s like to lead NASA missions from Mission Control? Now’s your chance to hear it straight from the source.
Join NASA Flight Director Anthony Vareha as he shares behind-the-scenes stories, leadership lessons, and the high-stakes world of human spaceflight at The Ion in Houston. 🌌👨‍🚀
📅 August 12
📍 The Ion, Houston TX
🎟️ Free and open to the public
Don’t miss this chance to hear real NASA stories from a real NASA leader.
🔗 Learn more & RSVP: https://iondistrict.com/event/nasa-stories-at-the-ion-0812/

Flight Director Chloe Mehring, known as Lion Flight, brought her son to Johnson Space Center’s Bring Youth to Work Day, giving him a special behind-the-scenes look at life at NASA. The day was a powerful reminder that the path to the stars can start with a visit to work with mom. 🚀✨

🚀 Future meets flight control!
NASA Flight Directors Garrett Hehn and Zeb Scoville spent time with the brilliant student teams competing in the NASA SUITS Challenge — mentoring the next generation of space innovators.

From mission simulations to cutting-edge AR interfaces for future astronauts, these students are redefining how we explore the Moon and beyond 🌕

Big thanks to Garrett and Zeb for inspiring with their leadership and sharing firsthand insight from the front lines of human spaceflight. 👨‍🚀✨

Last week students participating the NASA App Development Challenge stopped by Mission Control Houston to see first hand what Flight Directors do and shared with us their incredible projects. From innovative designs to forward-thinking concepts, these future space leaders are already making waves.

Ronak Dave, Momentum Flight, was recently a guest on The Green Dot podcast, hosted by the EAA Aviation Museum. Tune in to hear about his journey, passion for space flight, and what’s next on the horizon! 🚀 Listen here: https://inspire.eaa.org/2025/03/06/eaas-the-green-dot-nasa-flight-director-ronak-dave/

Mission Control just got a fresh look! 🚀 Emily Nelson, Chief Flight Director-call sign Peridot Flight, wears the new NASA Flight Director jacket, a symbol of dedication, precision, and the relentless pursuit of exploration. Read more about the jacket here: http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-032725a-nasa-flight-director-jacket.html

Paul Konya, Excelsior Flight, had the incredible honor of welcoming the family of astronaut Frank Borman to Mission Control here in Houston. 🛰️✨

Frank Borman, commander of the historic Apollo 8 mission—the first to orbit the Moon—remains a symbol of courage, exploration, and dedication to space exploration. Having his family visit was a beautiful reminder of the people behind the missions: the families who supported these pioneers every step of the way.

Walking through these halls together, sharing stories of the past and dreams for the future, was nothing short of inspiring. 🌍🌌

Thank you to the Borman family for continuing to keep the spirit of exploration alive. The legacy of Apollo lives on in every generation that follows. 🚀❤️

A Festive Gathering of Leaders in the Sky: Past and Present Flight Directors Celebrate the New Year. The room was alive with stories, laughter and camaraderie to not only celebrate the new year but the legacy of leadership in human spaceflight. Here’s to another year of reaching for the stars-together!

Chloe Mehring, Lion Flight, showed the U.S. Navy Blue Angels the International Space Station Flight Control Room and how our teams on the ground at play key roles for our in space. She also spent some time behind the scenes with their Comm Cart Team during their training in Houston. Thank you, Blue Angels and team, until next time! 🚀