NASA's Shana Dale announces resignation

WASHINGTON, Dec. 4 (UPI) -- U.S. space agency Deputy Administrator Shana Dale says she will resign her post effective Jan. 17 after serving as NASA's second in command since 2005.

"It has been an honor for me to work with those who support America's space program," Dale, 44, said. "It is a highly dedicated group, made up of individuals who share a deep passion for the missions of the agency. I will miss the cutting-edge missions but most of all I will miss the incredibly talented people of NASA. It is a great team to be a part of and I look forward to watching and cheering on the amazing accomplishments that are yet to come."

Before joining the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Dale worked for the U.S. House of Representatives, the University of Texas system, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and law firms in California.

"It has been an honor and a privilege to work with Shana for these last three years," said NASA Administrator Michael Griffin. "I will miss her."