Marshall History
A brief history of Marshall Space Flight Center
Marshall Center Directors 1960–present
Dr. Wernher von Braun
July 1960–January 1970
Dr. Eberhard Rees
March 1970–January 1973
Dr. Rocco A. Petrone
January 1973–March 1974
Dr. William R. Lucas
June 1974–July 1986
Dr. James R. Thompson
September 1986–July 1989
Thomas Jack Lee
July 1989–January 1994
G.P. (Porter) Bridwell
January 1994–February 1996
Dr. J. Wayne Littles
January 1996–January 1998
Art G. Stephenson
September 1998–May 2003
David A. King
June 2003–April 2009
Robert M. Lightfoot, Jr.
August 2009–August 2012
Patrick Scheuermann
September 2012–December 2015
Todd May
February 2016–July 2018
Jody Singer
September 2018–July 2023
Joseph Pelfrey
July 2023–present
In 1961, when President John F. Kennedy envisioned an American on the moon by the end of the decade, NASA turned to Marshall Space Flight Center to create the incredibly powerful rocket needed to turn this presidential vision into reality. Since its beginning in 1960, Marshall has provided the agency with mission-critical design, development and integration of the launch and space systems required for space operations, exploration and scientific missions.
Marshall’s legacy in rocket engineering includes providing the Saturn rockets that powered Americans to the moon and the Lunar Roving Vehicle that aided exploration of the moon; managing the development of Skylab, America’s first space station; developing space shuttle propulsion systems and experiments, including Spacelab; building the Hubble Space Telescope and the Chandra X-ray Observatory; and building the International Space Station’s laboratory modules and experiment facilities and operating station science experiments. In addition to these major programs, Marshall has built many smaller science experiments and conducts science in a variety of disciplines. Marshall’s expertise in building large space systems and unique interdisciplinary approach to problem solving brings scientific and engineering expertise together, providing answers that improve life on Earth and provide a foundation for deep space exploration.
Marshall History
Watch archival film and video from some of the greatest develop enisn NASA Marshall Space Flight Center’s history.
Explore the PlaylistLearn More about the History of Marshall Space Flight Center
Marshall History Stories
Learn how it all began. Read about Marshall’s role in rocket history and space science. Find articles, pictures, and videos of events from Marshall’s past from the early years of rocket pioneer Dr. Wernher von Braun to the International Space Station.
Mercury-Redstone Launch Vehicle
January 29, 1971: Apollo 11’s Columbia lands in Montgomery, Alabama
Moon Trees Stand as Living Testaments to First Voyages to Moon
Marshall, Mirrors, and Mission History with NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope
Pegasus Satellite
Story of Explorer 1
