Chris Shank Will Serve On The 'Landing Team' For NASA

The transition team for President-elect Donald Trump has named congressional staffer and former NASA official Chris Shank to its "landing team" overseeing transition planning for the space agency.

Space News reports that Shank has extensive experience with NASA both inside the agency and as policy director for the House Science Committee and deputy chief of staff for committee chair Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX). He served on the committee staff from 2001 to 2005.

Shank was with NASA from 2005 to 2009 under administrator Mike Griffen. He was director of strategic investments and responsible for developing the budget for the agency.

NASA Associate Administrator Robert Lightfoot told Space News that they have not yet received official notification of Shank's appointment. He said for now, the agency is conducting "business as usual," and will brief the landing team on its projects and programs and learn what the new President may have in mind for the agency.

FMI: www.nasa.gov