Michael Griffin
Michael Griffin
This prominent aerospace engineer and physicist served from 2005 until 2009 as Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Previously, he had headed Johns Hopkins University's Space Department.
ProfessionEngineer
Date of Birth1 November 1949
partners russian shuttle station sustained
Our Russian partners have steadfastly sustained the station while the shuttle has been down.
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The decision was to put together an assembly sequence that allows us high confidence that we will finish the space station by the time the shuttle is retired.
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We're going to try as hard as we can to get back in space this year because we have a big construction project we're working on and we need the shuttle to do it, ... So, we're going to try as hard as we can, but we're not going to go until we're ready to go.
addressing launch shuttle
Right now, we're still addressing what the implications are on the shuttle launch schedule, and if I say I don't know what those are, that's an understatement.
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As I have often said publicly, the shuttle is the most amazing machine humans have ever built, and it has been the recipient of the most brilliant engineering that America can provide. The station is a more difficult engineering project, by far, than was Apollo,
apollo build designs far foundation greater proven shuttle spacecraft systems
This spacecraft and systems will build upon the foundation of the proven designs and technologies used in the Apollo and space shuttle programs, while having far greater capability.
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This is a sad day for NASA. ... But also one of renewed hope for the future of NASA's manned space flight program. The end of the Shuttle Program means that we will begin a new program that will be bigger better and more expensive than anything we have undertaken before. I'm proud of the people that have kept the shuttle going, but the Shuttle Program is done. Its time for the shuttle, like an old dog, to lie on the porch and let the younger dogs chase the rabbits.
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The administration remains committed to the vision for space exploration it has announced. That included a number of components, one of which addressed the fly out of the shuttle and the building of the station. We aren't departing from that.
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It is fantastically interesting to me to have a chance, maybe within my lifetime, for scientists to see up-close what those objects look like and to begin our reconnaissance of that region of space.
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It is entirely appropriate for the administration to announce or espouse whatever political views they have. It is not appropriate for scientists at an executing federal executive agency to be required to adjust, skew, alter, or frame the tone of their scientific work to fit any particular political agenda.
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NASA appreciates the efforts of Congress to resolve restrictions placed on our partnership with Russia. Congress' action helps to ensure the continuous presence of U.S. astronauts on the International Space Station.
bullet turn
This time, it was Michoud's turn to take a bullet for the team,
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We at NASA are seeking relief from the (law), which after April next year would preclude cooperation with Russia in relation to certain aspects
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To make a decision to work in the field of space science is almost the ultimate in delayed gratification.