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
assembly built choice chose complete confidence confronted fact focused former high largely logistics possibly redefining sequence station
We focused on redefining the station assembly sequence in fact to concentrate on assembly, and we are largely deferring utilization and we are paring logistics to the bone. We don't like that, but confronted with a choice between having a high confidence to be able to complete the assembly of the station and deferring utilization, or utilizing it heavily as we built it and possibly not finishing, we chose the former course.
assembly confidence decision finish high sequence shuttle space station time together
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.
It was wonderful; it was magnificent; it was beautiful.
amazing america brilliant difficult humans machine shuttle station
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,
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.
deal future investment problems program space
The space program is a long-term investment in our future. We must deal with our short-term problems without sacrificing our long-term investments in our future.
future investment program space
The space program is a long-term investment in our future,
delay entire existence friend program space tom
The space program has had no better friend in its entire existence than Tom DeLay. He's still with us and we need to keep him there.
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.
almost envision flight full order rate schedule slack start
We have substantial schedule slack at this point, almost a full year. So we would have to have substantial difficulties that we do not now envision in maintaining our flight rate in order to start any consideration of contingency plans.
begin maybe objects region scientists within
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.
agency announce entirely executing executive federal fit frame particular political required scientific scientists tone views whatever work
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.
ahead challenge greater represents
What we have ahead of us represents a challenge significantly greater than when we first went to the moon.
almost decision delayed field science space ultimate work
To make a decision to work in the field of space science is almost the ultimate in delayed gratification.