NASA names new space shuttle manager

WASHINGTON, Feb. 25 (UPI) -- The U.S. space agency has named John Shannon as its new space shuttle program manager.

Shannon succeeds N. Wayne Hale Jr., who becomes the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's deputy associate administrator for strategic partnerships. Shannon has been Hale's deputy since November 2005.

Hale has served as the manager of the space shuttle program since September 2005. In his new position, he will work in Houston as a senior NASA official in the space operations directorate, creating public and private sector alliances with the space agency, NASA said.

As the manager of the shuttle program, Shannon will be responsible for overall management, integration and operations. He began his NASA career as a flight control officer in 1988.