Charity Weeden is sworn in as associate administrator for NASA’s Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy by NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. Photo: NASA/Joel Kowsky

Charity Weeden joined NASA as associate administrator for the agency’s Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy (OTPS). Weeden joins NASA from Astroscale U.S., where she served as vice president for global space policy and government relations, leading spaceflight safety and long-term space sustainability efforts.

She was formerly senior director of policy at the Satellite Industry Association, and is a 23-year veteran of the Royal Canadian Air Force. 

The OTPS guides NASA on its strategic planning and investments, working with NASA mission directorates and the broader space community. Its researchers work to inform and shape policy.

“When we established the Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy, the goal was to address a need for strategic advice that cuts across our mission directorates, centers, and other organizations to guide NASA’s success. I am confident Charity and the OTPS team will help us continue that crucial work,” commented NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. 

The appointment is effective immediately. Weeden succeeds Bhavya Lal, who left the agency in July, and Ellen Gertsen, who had been serving as the office’s acting leader since then.

Weeden has written about space sustainability issues as a contributor for Via Satellite.