Top management astronauts departing

Director of Flight Crew Operations Ken Bowersox and Chief Astronaut Kent Rominger are soon leaving their posts atop the NASA astronaut corps.

Bowersox, a former commander of the International Space Station and four-time shuttle flier, ultimately plans to work in a support role for Johnson Space Center Director Mike Coats. Ellen Ochoa, who has been Bowersox's deputy, will succeed him as director of flight crew operations.

Rominger, who commanded two shuttle missions and piloted three more, has been chief of the astronaut corps since 2002. He plans to pursue a job in the private sector. Steve Lindsey, who recently commanded the second post-Columbia return to flight mission, will be chief astronaut.

The changes are to take place later this month.