HOUSTON, Sept. 7, 2022 – Space Center Houston welcomes scientist, oceanographer, engineer and astronaut Megan McArthur, Ph.D. as the nonprofit’s first chief science officer. This new role will support strategic planning, education programs, exhibits and the guest experience. Dr. McArthur brings more than two decades of NASA experience with a new mission to develop authentic science and space exploration learning experiences for students and the general public. She will continue to be an active NASA astronaut and split her time between the two organizations.
“We’re a science center dedicated to informing the public about what’s happening now in space exploration,” said William T. Harris, president and CEO of Space Center Houston. “With Megan’s extensive career in science and human spaceflight, she brings a wealth of experience to further enable us to provide meaningful science and space connections for the everyday explorer.”
In addition to supporting the center’s overall strategic science initiatives, Dr. McArthur will forge new alliances to create partnerships within the local, national and global communities. She will make appearances at special events and inform new educational programs leveraging the latest tools and resources dedicated to empowering people of all ages in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Dr. McArthur most recently served as pilot of the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, named Endeavour, during NASA’s SpaceX Crew-2 mission which landed November 8, 2021. It was the second commercial crew rotation mission aboard the International Space Station and the third crewed flight for the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. She also served as Flight Engineer of Expedition 65/66 on the International Space Station. Dr. McArthur was selected as a NASA astronaut in 2000 and served as a Mission Specialist aboard STS-125, the final space shuttle mission to the Hubble Space Telescope. The successful mission improved the telescope’s capabilities and extended its life.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles and a Ph.D. in Oceanography from the University of California, San Diego where she performed research activities at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Learn more about McArthur’s career here.
Space Center Houston is proud to recognize Barrios Technology, a woman-owned and operated aerospace company headquartered in the greater Houston region, for its generous commitment supporting the Chief Science Officer program. With Barrios Technology’s investment in Space Center Houston, Barrios Technology continues to make a positive impact on the community and the future generation of space explorers and leaders.
Space Center Houston provides engaging, hands-on space and science activities for people of all ages to inspire them to pursue a career on the STEM pathway. For more information about Space Center Houston, its education programs and other experiences, visit www.spacecenter.org.
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The Manned Space Flight Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit science and space exploration learning center with extensive educational programs. Space Center Houston is the cornerstone of its mission to inspire all generations through the wonders of space exploration. The center draws more than 1.25 million visitors annually, was named “Best Museum in Texas” by USA Today and generates a $118.7 million annual economic impact in the greater Houston area. Space Center Houston is a Smithsonian Affiliate, the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center and a Certified Autism Center. More than 250,000 teachers and students from around the world visit the center annually to experience the educational space museum with more than 400 things to see and do. For more information, go to www.spacecenter.org.
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