NASA Associate Administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate William Gerstenmaier, Portrait, Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Associate Administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, Bill Gerstenmaier speaks at the "Future of Space" STEM event, Monday, April 29, 2019 at NASA Headquarters in Washington, where college students were able to ask panelists, Gerstenmaier, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, and NASA Deputy Associate Administrator for Exploration, Steve Clarke questions as well as speak with two astronauts currently on the International Space Station, Nick Hague and Christina Koch. NASA astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson moderated the panel discussion. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Space Program Manager Wayne Hale, Associate Administrator for Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier and NASA Administrator Michael Griffin monitor the weather and shuttle systems prior to the launch of the Space Shuttle Atlantis (STS-122) from the Launch Control Center Thursday, Feb. 7, 2008, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The Shuttle lifted off from launch pad 39A at 2:45p.m. EST. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Manager for Launch Integration, Leroy Cain, left, and NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations, William H. Gerstenmaier watch as the The space shuttle Atlantis (STS-122) lands at the Shuttle Landing Facility, 9:07a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2008 at Kennedy Space Center, Fla. completing delivery of the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Columbus laboratory to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Vice President Mike Pence shakes hands with Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator, Human Exploration and Operations, NASA, after a discussion about the progress on Space Policy Directive 1 (SPD-1), Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA Associate Administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, Bill Gerstenmaier, center, speaks at the "Future of Space" STEM event, Monday, April 29, 2019 at NASA Headquarters in Washington, where college students were able to ask panelists, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, left, Gerstenmaier, and NASA Deputy Associate Administrator for Exploration, Steve Clarke, questions as well as speak with two astronauts currently on the International Space Station, Nick Hague and Christina Koch. NASA astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson moderated the panel discussion. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier watches the space shuttle Discovery touch down at 11:15 a.m. EDT, Saturday, June 14, 2008, at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. During the 13-day mission, Discovery and the crew of STS-124 delivered new components of the Japanese Experiment Module, or Kibo, to the International Space Station and the Canadian-built Special Purpose Dextrous Manipulator to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine listens as Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations (HEO) directorate gives updates on HEO priorities at an agency meeting at the Space Symposium, Monday, April 8, 2019, at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Senior NASA officials from NASA centers around the country were in attendance. Photo credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations (HEO) directorate gives updates on HEO priorities at an agency meeting at the Space Symposium, Monday, April 8, 2019, at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Senior NASA officials from NASA centers around the country were in attendance. Photo credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA Associate Administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate Bill Gerstenmaier escorts Expedition 55 flight engineer Drew Feustel of NASA as he prepares to board the Soyuz MS-08 spacecraft for launch, Wednesday, March 21, 2018 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Feustel and his crewmates Ricky Arnold of NASA and Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos will spend the next five months living and working aboard the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, left, speaks at the "Future of Space" STEM event, Monday, April 29, 2019 at NASA Headquarters in Washington, where college students were able to ask panelists, Bridenstine, NASA Associate Administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, Bill Gerstenmaier, center, and NASA Deputy Associate Administrator for Exploration, Steve Clarke, right, questions as well as speak with two astronauts currently on the International Space Station, Nick Hague and Christina Koch. NASA astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson moderated the panel discussion. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, left, speaks at the "Future of Space" STEM event, Monday, April 29, 2019 at NASA Headquarters in Washington, where college students were able to ask panelists, Bridenstine, NASA Associate Administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, Bill Gerstenmaier, right, and NASA Deputy Associate Administrator for Exploration, Steve Clarke, not pictured, questions as well as speak with two astronauts currently on the International Space Station, Nick Hague and Christina Koch. NASA astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson moderated the panel discussion. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA Astronaut Garrett Reisman, right, jokes with NASA Associate Administrator Chris Scolese, 2nd from right, NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier, 3rd from right and NASA Deputy Shuttle Program Manager LeRoy Cain as NASA Astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria looks on. Reisman spent 3 months in space onboard the the International Space Station. Reisman landed onboard the space shuttle Discovery along with the crew of the STS-124 mission. Discovery touched down at 11:15 a.m. EDT, Saturday, June 14, 2008, at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Associate Administrator, Human Exploration and Operations, Bill Gerstenmaier, testifies during a Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee hearing titled, “A Review of NASA’s Plans for the International Space Station and Future Activities in Low Earth Orbit," Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Expedition 58 Flight Engineer Anne McClain of NASA is walked to the Soyuz vehicle for launch by Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator, Human Exploration and Operations, NASA, left, Monday, Dec. 3, 2018 in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. McClain, Flight Engineer David Saint-Jacques of the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), and Soyuz Commander Oleg Kononenko of Roscosmos, will spend the next six and a half months onboard the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA Associate Administrator, Human Exploration and Operations, Bill Gerstenmaier, testifies during a Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee hearing titled, “A Review of NASA’s Plans for the International Space Station and Future Activities in Low Earth Orbit," Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

The Honorable Paul Martin, inspector general, NASA, speaks to Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator, Human Exploration and Operations, NASA, before they testify during a Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee hearing titled, “A Review of NASA’s Plans for the International Space Station and Future Activities in Low Earth Orbit," Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA Associate Administrator, Human Exploration and Operations, Bill Gerstenmaier, testifies during a Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee hearing titled, “A Review of NASA’s Plans for the International Space Station and Future Activities in Low Earth Orbit," Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson, left, moderates a panel discussion with NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, NASA Associate Administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, Bill Gerstenmaier, and NASA Deputy Associate Administrator for Exploration, Steve Clarke at the "Future of Space" STEM event, Monday, April 29, 2019 at NASA Headquarters in Washington, where college students were able to ask the panelists questions as well as speak with two astronauts currently on the International Space Station, Nick Hague and Christina Koch. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, second from left, speaks at the "Future of Space" STEM event, Monday, April 29, 2019 at NASA Headquarters in Washington, where college students were able to ask panelists, Bridenstine, NASA Associate Administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, Bill Gerstenmaier, second from right, and NASA Deputy Associate Administrator for Exploration, Steve Clarke, right, questions as well as speak with two astronauts currently on the International Space Station, Nick Hague and Christina Koch. NASA astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson, left, moderated the panel discussion. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson, left, moderates a panel discussion with NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, NASA Associate Administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, Bill Gerstenmaier, and NASA Deputy Associate Administrator for Exploration, Steve Clarke at the "Future of Space" STEM event, Monday, April 29, 2019 at NASA Headquarters in Washington, where college students were able to ask the panelists questions as well as speak with two astronauts currently on the International Space Station, Nick Hague and Christina Koch. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Nick Hague, left, and Christina Koch, two astronauts currently living and working on the International Space Station, are seen on the screen during a live uplink and panel discussion with NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, center, NASA Associate Administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, Bill Gerstenmaier, right, and NASA Deputy Associate Administrator for Exploration, Steve Clarke, not pictured, at the "Future of Space" STEM event, Monday, April 29, 2019 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. NASA astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson, left, moderated the panel discussion. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

A video profile of a NASA employee is seen as NASA astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson, moderates a panel discussion with NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, NASA Associate Administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, Bill Gerstenmaier, and NASA Deputy Associate Administrator for Exploration, Steve Clarke at the "Future of Space" STEM event, Monday, April 29, 2019 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. The students were able to ask the panelists questions as well as speak with two astronauts currently on the International Space Station, Nick Hague and Christina Koch. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, second from left, speaks at the "Future of Space" STEM event, Monday, April 29, 2019 at NASA Headquarters in Washington, where college students were able to ask panelists, Bridenstine, NASA Associate Administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, Bill Gerstenmaier, second from right, and NASA Deputy Associate Administrator for Exploration, Steve Clarke, right, questions as well as speak with two astronauts currently on the International Space Station, Nick Hague and Christina Koch. NASA astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson, left, moderated the panel discussion. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Congressman Brian Babin, R-Texas, asks NASA Associate Administrator, Human Exploration and Operations, Bill Gerstenmaier, a question during a Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee hearing titled, “A Review of NASA’s Plans for the International Space Station and Future Activities in Low Earth Orbit," Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA Associate Administrator, Human Exploration and Operations, Bill Gerstenmaier, right, speaks with Chair of the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee, Congresswoman Kendra Horn, D-Okla., second from left, after he testified during a House Science, Space, and Technology Committee hearing titled, “A Review of NASA’s Plans for the International Space Station and Future Activities in Low Earth Orbit," Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Nick Hague and Christina Koch, two astronauts currently living and working on the International Space Station, are seen on the screen during a live uplink and panel discussion with moderator NASA astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, NASA Associate Administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, Bill Gerstenmaier, and NASA Deputy Associate Administrator for Exploration, Steve Clarke, at the "Future of Space" STEM event, Monday, April 29, 2019 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA Associate Administrator, Human Exploration and Operations, Bill Gerstenmaier, left, shakes hands with Congressman Michael Waltz, R-Fla., before testifying during a Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee hearing titled, “A Review of NASA’s Plans for the International Space Station and Future Activities in Low Earth Orbit," Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA Associate Administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate Bill Gerstenmaier speaks with the Soyuz MS-08 crew from the Moscow Mission Control Center in Korolev, Russia a few hours after the Soyuz MS-08 docked to the International Space Station on Saturday, March 24, 2018. Hatches were opened at 5:48 p.m. Eastern time on March 23 (12:48 a.m. Moscow time on March 24) and Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos, Ricky Arnold of NASA and Drew Feustel of NASA joined Expedition 55 Commander Anton Shkaplerov of Roscosmos, Scott Tingle of NASA, and Norishige Kanai of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) onboard the orbiting laboratory. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

NASA Associate Administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate Bill Gerstenmaier speaks with the Soyuz MS-08 crew from the Moscow Mission Control Center in Korolev, Russia a few hours after the Soyuz MS-08 docked to the International Space Station on Saturday, March 24, 2018. Hatches were opened at 5:48 p.m. Eastern time on March 23 (12:48 a.m. Moscow time on March 24) and Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos, Ricky Arnold of NASA and Drew Feustel of NASA joined Expedition 55 Commander Anton Shkaplerov of Roscosmos, Scott Tingle of NASA, and Norishige Kanai of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) onboard the orbiting laboratory. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Nick Hague, left, and Christina Koch, two astronauts currently living and working on the International Space Station, are seen on the screen during a live uplink and panel discussion with, from left to right, moderator NASA astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, NASA Associate Administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, Bill Gerstenmaier, and NASA Deputy Associate Administrator for Exploration, Steve Clarke, at the "Future of Space" STEM event, Monday, April 29, 2019 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

From left to right, NASA Associate Administrator, Human Exploration and Operations, Bill Gerstenmaier; NASA Inspector General, Paul Martin; Commercial Spaceflight Federation President, Eric Stallmer; and University of Mississippi Professor Emerita and Editor in Chief of the Journal of Space Law, Joanne Gabrynowicz testify during a Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee hearing titled, “A Review of NASA’s Plans for the International Space Station and Future Activities in Low Earth Orbit," Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

From left to right, NASA Associate Administrator, Human Exploration and Operations, Bill Gerstenmaier; NASA Inspector General, Paul Martin; Commercial Spaceflight Federation President, Eric Stallmer; and University of Mississippi Professor Emerita and Editor in Chief of the Journal of Space Law, Joanne Gabrynowicz testify during a Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee hearing titled, “A Review of NASA’s Plans for the International Space Station and Future Activities in Low Earth Orbit," Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier, standing left, Manager, Space Shuttle Program Office John Shannon, standing right, and other management look on from Firing Room Four of the NASA Kennedy Space Center Launch Control Center (LCC) as they monitor the weather and countdown to the launch of the space shuttle Atlantis on Friday, July 8, 2011, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The launch of Atlantis, STS-135, is the final flight of the shuttle program, a 12-day mission to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Anne Marie Demme asks Nick Hague and Christina Koch, two astronauts currently living and working on the International Space Station, a question during a panel discussion with NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, NASA Associate Administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, Bill Gerstenmaier, and NASA Deputy Associate Administrator for Exploration, Steve Clarke at the "Future of Space" STEM event, Monday, April 29, 2019 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. NASA astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson, moderated the panel discussion. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

From left to right, NASA Associate Administrator, Human Exploration and Operations, Bill Gerstenmaier; NASA Inspector General, Paul Martin; Commercial Spaceflight Federation President, Eric Stallmer; and University of Mississippi Professor Emerita and Editor in Chief of the Journal of Space Law, Joanne Gabrynowicz react to a comment by Congressman Pete Olson (R-TX) during a Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee hearing titled, “A Review of NASA’s Plans for the International Space Station and Future Activities in Low Earth Orbit," Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

From left to right, NASA Associate Administrator, Human Exploration and Operations, Bill Gerstenmaier; NASA Inspector General, Paul Martin; Commercial Spaceflight Federation President, Eric Stallmer; and University of Mississippi Professor Emerita and Editor in Chief of the Journal of Space Law, Joanne Gabrynowicz testify during a Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee hearing titled, “A Review of NASA’s Plans for the International Space Station and Future Activities in Low Earth Orbit," Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Official portrait of William H. Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. As associate administrator, Gerstenmaier directs NASA’s human exploration of space. He also has programmatic oversight for International Space Station, Space Shuttle, Space Communications and Space Launch Vehicles. (NASA Image Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls)

William Gerstenmaier, associate administrator of NASA's Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, participates via phone, in a press conference with Rachel Kraft, NASA public affairs officer, seated left, Frank Culbertson, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Advanced Program Group at Orbital Sciences Corp., center, and Bill Wrobel, director of NASA's Wallops Flight Facility, after a mishap occurred during the launch of the Antares rocket, with the Cygnus cargo spacecraft aboard, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2014, NASA Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia. Michael Suffredini, NASA's International Space Station Program Manager also participated via phone. Cygnus was on its way to rendezvous with the space station. The Antares rocket lifted off to start its third resupply mission to the International Space Station, but suffered a catastrophic anomaly shortly after liftoff at 6:22 p.m. EDT. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

STS118-S-076 (21 Aug. 2007) --- NASA Administrator Michael Griffin (right), and NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier watch as the space shuttle Endeavour touches down Aug. 21, 2007, at the Kennedy Space Center, Florida, concluding STS-118. Photo Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls

NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier speaks during a media briefing about the space shuttle program and processing for the STS-121 mission, Friday, April 28, 2006, at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Photo Credit (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Rogozin, left, and NASA Associate Administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations Directorate William Gerstenmaier answer questions during a Expedition 59 post-docking press conference, Friday, March 15, 2019 at the Baikonur Hotel in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Associate Administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations Directorate William Gerstenmaier answers questions during a Expedition 59 post-docking press conference, Friday, March 15, 2019 at the Baikonur Hotel in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Associate Administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations Directorate William Gerstenmaier answers questions during a Expedition 59 post-docking press conference, Friday, March 15, 2019 at the Baikonur Hotel in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Following the Flight Readiness Review for the STS-117 mission, NASA officials presented the decisions of NASA senior managers in a press conference. Seen here are (from left) Katherine Trinidad, of NASA Public Affairs, who moderated; Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator of NASA Space Operations Mission; Wayne Hale, Space Shuttle Program manager; and Mike Leinbach, Shuttle Launch Director. Gerstenmaier confirmed the launch time and date of Space Shuttle Atlantis at 7:38 p.m. EDT on June 8. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Associate Administrator for Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier (left) answers a question from the media during a news conference following the Flight Readiness Review at NASA's Kennedy Space Center to discuss the status of the next space shuttle launch. The meeting assessed preparations for shuttle Discovery's STS-124 mission to the International Space Station. At right are Space Shuttle Program Manager John Shannon and Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach. Gerstenmaier confirmed the launch date of May 31 for the STS-124 mission. On the mission, the crew will deliver and install the Japanese Experiment Module – Pressurized Module and Japanese Remote Manipulator System. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, left, and NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier tour the Soyuz launch pad in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept., 29, 2009 the day before Expedition 21 Flight Engineer Maxim Suraev, Expedition 21 Flight Engineer Jeffrey N. Williams and Spaceflight Participant Guy Laliberté are scheduled to launch to the International Space Station (ISS). Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

May 4, 2003, Kazakhstan. Bob Cabana (L in door), Director of Flight Crew Operations talks with NASA colleagues on the satellite phone from a Russian helicopter while Bill Gerstenmaier (center), I.S.S. Program Manager and J.D. Polk (R), Expedition Six Flight Surgeon wait to get word if they will be continuing on to the landing site after a refueling stop. Photo Credit: "NASA/Bill Ingalls"

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, left, and NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier tour the Soyuz launch pad in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept., 29, 2009 the day before Expedition 21 Flight Engineer Maxim Suraev, Expedition 21 Flight Engineer Jeffrey N. Williams and Spaceflight Participant Guy Laliberté are scheduled to launch to the International Space Station (ISS). Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier, center, reacts to an updated weather report during the countdown of the launch of the space shuttle Endeavour and the start of the STS-130 mission at NASA Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. on Sunday Feb. 7, 2010. Space shuttle Endeavour's launch attempt was scrubbed due to a low cloud ceiling over Kennedy Space Center. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, left, and NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier tour the Soyuz launch pad in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept., 29, 2009 the day before Expedition 21 Flight Engineer Maxim Suraev, Expedition 21 Flight Engineer Jeffrey N. Williams and Spaceflight Participant Guy Laliberté are scheduled to launch to the International Space Station (ISS). Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations, Bill Gerstenmaier (foreground) watches the launch of the Space Shuttle Endeavour (STS-118) from the Launch Control Center Wednesday, August 8, 2007, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The Shuttle lifted off from launch pad 39A at 6:36p.m. EDT. Photo Credit: "NASA/Bill Ingalls"

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA managers take part in a news conference following the Flight Readiness Review at NASA's Kennedy Space Center to discuss the status of the next space shuttle launch. The meeting assessed preparations for shuttle Discovery's STS-124 mission to the International Space Station. Seated left to right are the moderator, John Yembrick, Associate Administrator for Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier, Space Shuttle Program Manager John Shannon, and Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach. Gerstenmaier confirmed the launch date of May 31 for the STS-124 mission. On the mission, the crew will deliver and install the Japanese Experiment Module – Pressurized Module and Japanese Remote Manipulator System. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the firing room at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, NASA Associate Administrator Chris Scolese (left) and associate administrator for NASA Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier (right) watch the space shuttle Discovery launch on mission STS-120. Liftoff was on time at 11:38:19 am. EDT. Discovery carries the Italian-built U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. During the 14-day STS-120 mission, the crew will install Harmony and move the P6 solar arrays to their permanent position and deploy them. Discovery is expected to complete its mission and return home at 4:47 a.m. EST on Nov. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls

A student asks Nick Hague and Christina Koch, two astronauts currently living and working on the International Space Station, a question during a panel discussion with NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, NASA Associate Administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, Bill Gerstenmaier, and NASA Deputy Associate Administrator for Exploration, Steve Clarke at the "Future of Space" STEM event, Monday, April 29, 2019 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. NASA astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson, moderated the panel discussion. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Press Site auditorium at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA managers brief the media about the Flight Readiness Review for STS-129. From left are Associate Administrator for NASA Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier, Mission Management Team Chair Mike Moses and Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach. The session confirmed a Nov. 16 launch date for space shuttle Atlantis is to fly the resupply mission to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett.

NASA Special Assistant to the Administrator Mark Sirangelo listens as NASA Associate Administrator, Human Exploration and Operations William Gerstenmaier testifies during the House Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics hearing titled "Keeping our sights on Mars: A Review of NASA's Deep Space Exploration Programs and Lunar Proposal", Wednesday, May 8, 2019 at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Michael Griffin, left, and Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier, right, smile as Space Shuttle Program Manager Wayne Hale, right on television screen, and Ken Welzyn, External Tank Chief Engineer, join in from NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center during a media briefing about the space shuttle program and processing for the STS-121 mission, Friday, April 28, 2006, at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Photo Credit (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Kennedy Space Center’s Press Site auditorium, agency leaders spoke to members of the news media about the successful Orion Flight Test. From left are: Rachel Kraft, of NASA Public Affairs, Bill Gerstenmaier, NASA associate administrator for Human Exploration and Operations, Mark Geyer, Orion program manager, Mike Hawes, Lockheed Martin Orion Program manager, and NASA astronaut Rex Walheim. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/orion Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

In the Kennedy Space Center’s Press Site auditorium, agency leaders spoke to members of the news media about the successful Orion Flight Test. From left are: Bill Gerstenmaier, NASA associate administrator for Human Exploration and Operations, Mark Geyer, Orion program manager, Mike Hawes, Lockheed Martin Orion Program manager, and NASA astronaut Rex Walheim.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A press conference after the landing of the orbiter Discovery and mission STS-121 crew features NASA Administrator Mike Griffin, Associate Administrator for Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier and Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach. Discovery traveled 5.3 million miles, landing on orbit 202. Mission elapsed time was 12 days, 18 hours, 37 minutes and 54 seconds. The landing is the 62nd at Kennedy Space Center and the 32nd for Discovery. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Kennedy Space Center’s Press Site auditorium, agency leaders spoke to members of the news media about the successful Orion Flight Test. From left are: Bill Gerstenmaier, NASA associate administrator for Human Exploration and Operations, Mark Geyer, Orion program manager, Mike Hawes, Lockheed Martin Orion Program manager, and NASA astronaut Rex Walheim. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/orion Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier watches the latest weather radar from Firing Room Four of the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, Sunday, July 12, 2009. Endeavour is set to launch at 7:13p.m. EDT with the crew of STS-127 and start a 16-day mission that will feature five spacewalks and complete construction of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Expedition 57 Flight Engineer Nick Hague of NASA walks with NASA Associate Administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations Directorate William Gerstenmaier, center, and NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, right, prior to boarding the Soyuz MS-10 spacecraft for launch, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Hague and Expedition 57 Flight Engineer Alexey Ovchinin of Roscosmos will spend the next six months living and working aboard the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Michael Griffin, left, looks on as Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier, right, speaks while Space Shuttle Program Manager Wayne Hale of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center waits by during a media briefing about the space shuttle program and processing for the STS-121 mission, Friday, April 28, 2006, at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Photo Credit (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Roscosmos Director of Human Spaceflight Programs Sergei Krikalev, Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Rogozin, and NASA Associate Administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations Directorate William Gerstenmaier answer questions during a Expedition 59 post-docking press conference, Friday, March 15, 2019 at the Baikonur Hotel in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

STS121-S-064 (17 July 2006) --- Dr. Michael Griffin (right), NASA administrator; and William H. Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations, inspect the Space Shuttle Discovery after the landing and conclusion of mission STS-121. The crew of seven tested new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls

NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier, right, look on as Space Shuttle Program Manager Wayne Hale speaks from NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center during a media briefing about the space shuttle program and processing for the STS-121 mission, Friday, April 28, 2006, at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Photo Credit (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Following the successful launch of space shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-122, European Space Agency Director General Jean-Jacques Dordain states that the launch ensures ESA is a capable partner in the International Space Station. Behind Dordain is Associate Administrator for Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier. During the 11-day mission, the crew's prime objective is to attach the Columbus laboratory to the Harmony module, adding to the station's size and capabilities. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Roscosmos Director of Human Spaceflight Programs Sergei Krikalev, left, Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Rogozin, center, and NASA Associate Administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations Directorate William Gerstenmaier answer questions during a Expedition 59 post-docking press conference, Friday, March 15, 2019 at the Baikonur Hotel in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Director of Flight Crew Operations Bob Cabana, upper left, talks with NASA colleagues on the satellite phone from a Russian helicopter while International Space Station Program Manager, William Gerstenmaier and J.D. Polk, Expedition 6 Flight Surgeon, right, wait to get word if they will be continuing on to the landing site after a refueling stop, Tuesday, May 4, 2003 in Kazakhstan. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

In the Kennedy Space Center’s Press Site auditorium, agency leaders spoke to members of the news media about the successful Orion Flight Test. From left are: Rachel Kraft, of NASA Public Affairs, Bill Gerstenmaier, NASA associate administrator for Human Exploration and Operations, Mark Geyer, Orion program manager, Mike Hawes, Lockheed Martin Orion Program manager, and NASA astronaut Rex Walheim.

Portraits of past House Science and Technology Committee Chairmen, Sherwood Boehlert, left, and Ralph Hall are seen as NASA Associate Administrator, Human Exploration and Operations William Gerstenmaier testifies during a House Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics hearing titled "Keeping our sights on Mars: A Review of NASA's Deep Space Exploration Programs and Lunar Proposal", Wednesday, May 8, 2019 at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

JSC2007-E-41603 (8 August 2007) --- William Gerstenmaier (foreground), NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations, watches the launch of the Space Shuttle Endeavour, to get STS-118 underway, from the Launch Control Center August 8, 2007 at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The shuttle lifted off from launch pad 39A at 6:36 p.m. (EDT). Photo Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls

NASA Associate Administrator, Human Exploration and Operations William Gerstenmaier, left, and NASA Special Assistant to the Administrator Mark Sirangelo, watch as a video is played during the House Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics hearing titled "Keeping our sights on Mars: A Review of NASA's Deep Space Exploration Programs and Lunar Proposal", Wednesday, May 8, 2019 at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Michael Griffin, left, and Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier, right, look on as Space Shuttle Program Manager Wayne Hale talks from NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center about the space shuttle's ice frost ramps during a media briefing about the space shuttle program and processing for the STS-121 mission, Friday, April 28, 2006, at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Photo Credit (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA's Associate Administrator for NASA Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier talks about the Flight Readiness review for STS-129 during a news conference in the Press Site auditorium at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The session confirmed a Nov. 16 launch date for space shuttle Atlantis is to fly the resupply mission to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett.

Dr. Thomas H. Marshburn, NASA Flight Surgeon, center, is helped to a Russian helicopter by interpreter Paul Kharmats, far left, astronaut James H. Newman and NASA International Space Station Program Manager William Gerstenmaier, right. Dr. Marshburn was on one of four helicopters that were advanced to Arkalyk, Kazakhstan a day prior to the Expedition 7 Soyuz landing, Monday, October 27, 2003. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Chair of the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee, Kendra Horn, D-Okla., speaks during a House Science, Space, and Technology Committee hearing titled, “A Review of NASA’s Plans for the International Space Station and Future Activities in Low Earth Orbit," where NASA Associate Administrator, Human Exploration and Operations, Bill Gerstenmaier, and NASA Inspector General, Paul Martin testified, Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier addresses attendees of the American Astronautical Society's 2010 National Conference at the Radisson Resort at the Port. The focus of the conference is the next 10 years of utilization and research aboard the International Space Station. The conference was organized with the support of Kennedy and sponsored by The Boeing Company, Honeywell International Inc., Northrop Grumman Corp., Space Florida and the Universities Space Research Association (USRA). Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A Senate field hearing held at the Canaveral Port Authority and chaired by Florida Sen. Bill Nelson (third from right on the dais) focuses on workforce related challenges at NASA's Kennedy Space Center and potential solutions to mitigate the transition's effects on the community. The hearing examined issues surrounding the retirement of the space shuttle and the transition to the new Orion/Ares system. At the table representing NASA are Administrator Michael Griffin and Associate Administrator of Space Operations William Gerstenmaier. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

STS120-S-025 (23 Oct. 2007) --- In the firing room at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, NASA Associate Administrator Chris Scolese and other managers watch the Space Shuttle Discovery launch of the STS-120 mission at 11:38 a.m. (EDT), Oct. 23, 2007. William Gerstenmaier is in right foreground. Photo credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls

NASA Associate Administrator, Human Exploration and Operations William Gerstenmaier testifies during the House Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics hearing titled "Keeping our sights on Mars: A Review of NASA's Deep Space Exploration Programs and Lunar Proposal", Wednesday, May 8, 2019 at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

A student asks a questions during a panel discussion with NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, NASA Associate Administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, Bill Gerstenmaier, and NASA Deputy Associate Administrator for Exploration, Steve Clarke at the "Future of Space" STEM event, Monday, April 29, 2019 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. NASA astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson moderated the discussion. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At a post-launch briefing, Shuttle Program Manager Wayne Hale, center, briefs the media about the successful launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121. Seated with him are, left to right, NASA Administrator Mike Griffin, NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations Mission Bill Gerstenmaier, Chief of the Mission Management Team John Shannon, and Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach. Liftoff of Discovery was on time at 2:30 p.m. EDT.

NASA Associate Administrator, Human Exploration and Operations William Gerstenmaier testifies during the House Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics hearing titled "Keeping our sights on Mars: A Review of NASA's Deep Space Exploration Programs and Lunar Proposal", Wednesday, May 8, 2019 at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Congressman Pete Olson, R-Texas, asks NASA Associate Administrator, Human Exploration and Operations, Bill Gerstenmaier, a question during a Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee hearing titled, “A Review of NASA’s Plans for the International Space Station and Future Activities in Low Earth Orbit," Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA Administrator Michael Griffin, left, and Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier, right, look on as Space Shuttle Program Manager Wayne Hale from NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, holds a test configuration of an ice frost ramp during a media briefing about the space shuttle program and processing for the STS-121 mission, Friday, April 28, 2006, at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Photo Credit (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Associate Administrator, Human Exploration and Operations William Gerstenmaier, left, NASA Associate Administrator for Legislative Affairs Suzanne Gillen, center, and NASA Special Assistant to the Administrator Mark Sirangelo, confer prior to the start of the House Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics hearing titled "Keeping our sights on Mars: A Review of NASA's Deep Space Exploration Programs and Lunar Proposal", Wednesday, May 8, 2019 at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson speaks with college students after the "Future of Space" STEM event, Monday, April 29, 2019 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. She moderated a panel discussion with NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, NASA Associate Administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, Bill Gerstenmaier, and NASA Deputy Associate Administrator for Exploration, Steve Clarke. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA Associate Administrator, Human Exploration and Operations William Gerstenmaier testifies during the House Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics hearing titled "Keeping our sights on Mars: A Review of NASA's Deep Space Exploration Programs and Lunar Proposal", Wednesday, May 8, 2019 at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A Senate field hearing held at the Canaveral Port Authority and chaired by Florida Sen. Bill Nelson (third from right on the dais) focuses on workforce related challenges at NASA's Kennedy Space Center and potential solutions to mitigate the transition's effects on the community. The hearing examined issues surrounding the retirement of the space shuttle and the transition to the new Orion/Ares system. At the table representing NASA are Administrator Michael Griffin and Associate Administrator of Space Operations William Gerstenmaier. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier responds to questions during the fiscal year 2007 news conference, Monday, Feb. 6, 2006, at NASA Headquarters in Washington. NASA Administrator Michael Griffin, background right, was joined by the heads of NASA's four mission directorates to explain how the proposed $16.8 billion dollar budget supports the Vision for Space Exploration. The budget represents a 3.2% increase above the fiscal year 2006 appropriated budget. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine speaks with college students after the "Future of Space" STEM event, Monday, April 29, 2019 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. NASA astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson moderated a panel discussion with Bridenstine, NASA Associate Administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, Bill Gerstenmaier, and NASA Deputy Associate Administrator for Exploration, Steve Clarke. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA Associate Administrator, Human Exploration and Operations William Gerstenmaier, left, and NASA Special Assistant to the Administrator Mark Sirangelo, testify during the House Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics hearing titled "Keeping our sights on Mars: A Review of NASA's Deep Space Exploration Programs and Lunar Proposal", Wednesday, May 8, 2019 at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Michael Griffin, left, and Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier, right, look on as Space Shuttle Program Manager Wayne Hale speaks from NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center during a media briefing about the space shuttle program and processing for the STS-121 mission, Friday, April 28, 2006, at NASA Headquarters in Washington. At left on screen is Ken Welzyn, External Tank Chief Engineer. Photo Credit (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Michael Griffin, second from left, and Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier, right, look on as Space Shuttle Program Manager Wayne Hale speaks from NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center during a media briefing about the space shuttle program and processing for the STS-121 mission, Friday, April 28, 2006, at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Moderator Dean Acosta looks on af far left. Photo Credit (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier addresses attendees of the American Astronautical Society's 2010 National Conference at the Radisson Resort at the Port. The focus of the conference is the next 10 years of utilization and research aboard the International Space Station. The conference was organized with the support of Kennedy and sponsored by The Boeing Company, Honeywell International Inc., Northrop Grumman Corp., Space Florida and the Universities Space Research Association (USRA). Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

Expedition 33/34 crew members, NASA Astronaut and Flight Engineer Kevin Ford, front left, Russian Cosmonaut and Soyuz Commander Oleg Novitskiy, and Russian Cosmonaut and Flight Engineer Evgeny Tarelkin, back left, stop at the base of the Soyuz rocket for a formal farewell from President of the S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia Vitaly Lopota, back right, General Director of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Vladimir Popovkin, right center, and NASA Associate Administrator for Human Exploration and Operations William Gerstenmaier prior to the crews launch onboard a Soyuz TMA-06M spacecraft to the International Space Station, Tuesday, October 23, 2012, in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Launch of the Soyuz rocket will send Ford, Novitskiy and Tarelkin on a five-month mission aboard the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/GCTC/Andrey Shelepin)

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Following the Flight Readiness Review for the STS-117 mission, NASA officials presented the decisions of NASA senior managers in a television conference. Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator of NASA Space Operations Mission, confirmed the launch time and date of Space Shuttle Atlantis at 7:38 p.m. EDT on June 8. Seen here is Space Shuttle Program Manager Wayne Hale (left) demonstrating the level of scrutiny engineers apply to inspecting the smallest of components that make up the shuttle system. This housing and bolt insert are part of the main engine low pressure oxidizer turbopump (LPOTP). Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett