NASA Mourns Former Director Jefferson Howell

Jefferson Davis Howell, Jr., former director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, passed away on July 2, 2025, in Bee Cave, Texas, at the age of 85. Howell played a crucial role in the construction of the International Space Station, overseeing four space shuttle missions to deliver essential equipment. He was also at the helm during the tragic loss of the space shuttle Columbia and its crew, providing support to the families and guiding the agency through the investigation.

Vanessa Wyche, acting associate administrator, praised Howell for his leadership during this challenging period, highlighting his compassion and dedication to the mission. Howell's efforts to improve the relationship between NASA's civil servants and contractors were notable, and he left the agency shortly after the successful Return-to-Flight mission of STS-114 in 2005.

Steve Koerner, acting director of Johnson Space Center, acknowledged Howell's significant contributions to NASA's successes both in space and on the ground, emphasizing his lasting impact on the center's culture. Howell's military background as a retired lieutenant general in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he flew over 300 combat missions, further underscored his leadership skills.

Howell is survived by his wife Janel and two children. A tree dedication in his honor will be held at NASA Johnson’s memorial grove in the coming year.