Vanessa E. Wyche

Biography

Vanessa Wyche is the director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, home to America’s astronaut corps, Mission Control Center, International Space Station, and Orion Programs. Her responsibilities included a broad range of human spaceflight activities, including development and operation of human spacecraft and NASA astronaut selection and training. Wyche also oversees NASA Johnson’s activities supporting the commercialization of low Earth orbit, supporting the agency’s needs following the transition from the International Space Station in 2030, and led the center’s programs supporting the exploration of the Moon and Mars, including surface system capabilities for human and commercial robotic missions, as well as simulated missions for crews on Mars.

Sessions

1. Leading the Next Era of Space Exploration

   Thu, Nov 5, 1:40 PM – 2:10 PM CT

   Track Smart Cities

   As Director of NASA's Johnson Space Center, Vanessa Wyche leads the teams shaping the future of human spaceflight while advancing innovations that improve life on Earth. From developing technologies that strengthen sustainability and resilience to inspiring the next generation of leaders, she'll share how purpose-driven leadership, bold thinking, and collaboration fuel breakthroughs that reach far beyond space.