After seven weeks of suspense, NASA has found a permanent replacement for Ed Weiler, the acting associate administrator for the agency’s Science Mission Directorate. And the new chief is….
Ed Weiler!
NASA Administrator Mike Griffin removed the interim from Weiler’s title on Wednesday. The former director of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center had been named to the post on March 26 following the resignation of his predecessor, Alan Stern.
“I’m very pleased to have Ed officially accept a more long-term position as science chief. His leadership style and 26 years of Headquarters experience will be vital to the success of upcoming science activities and missions,” Griffin said in a press release.
With only eight months left in George W. Bush’s term, it’s not clear how permanent the new position will be for Weiler. However, it is possible that John McCain might keep Griffin and his crew on board if he wins the presidency.