NASA names Holly Ridings first female flight director

For the first time in history, a woman will occupy the position of Flight Director of the US Space Agency.

Holly Ridings will lead the group that heads manned flight missions from the Mission Control Center at Houston's Johnson Space Center, NASA said in a statement.

Ridings will lead a group of 32 flight directors and flight directors in training who will oversee missions involving the International Space Station, the agency said.

She replaces Norm Knight, who is now Assistant Director of Flight Operations.

"Holly has turned out to be a leader among a group of very talented flight directors," Knight said.

"I know that she will excel in this unique and critical leadership position that guides the safety and success of manned flying missions." She will lead the team during the exciting times, while she's in her position. 39; adapts to future missions with trading partners and beyond the low Earth orbit. "

A native of Amarillo, Texas, Mr. Ridings joined NASA in 1998 as the flight controller for the thermal operations group, NASA said.

Since 2005, Ridings has held the position of Senior Flight Director for several high-level missions, including the International Space Station mission 16 in 2007, the Space Shuttle Program mission STS-127 in 2009 and the first SpaceX space mission Dragon station in 2012.