NASA said that Deputy Administrator Shana Dale will resign from the agency, effective Jan. 17, 2009, in advance of the new administration coming into office.

She has served as NASA's second-in-command since November 2005. "It has been an honor for me to work with those who support America's space program," She was quoted in a statement released by NASA on Thursday.

Before joining NASA, Dale worked for the U.S. House of Representatives, the University of Texas system, the White House's Office of Science and Technology Policy, and law firms in California. Now, she is planning to enjoy time off with her family in January and February and consider options for the next phase of her career.

"It has been an honor and a privilege to work with Shana for these last three years," NASA Administrator Michael Griffin said. "I have benefited from her insightful and perceptive analysis in a host of difficult situations."