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
behind difficult evaluate giving hope ourselves path plenty remaining tasks time
We are giving ourselves what we hope is plenty of time to evaluate where we are, ... We don't see the tasks remaining before us being as difficult as the path behind us.
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.
begin bigger chase dogs expensive flight future hope kept lie means people porch program proud renewed sad shuttle space time undertaken younger
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.
aviation common flight hardware listening opinions people sending signals spend stuff test theme time
If you spend much time on this stuff and aviation accidents, a common theme is that of not listening to the signals the hardware is sending - the test results, the flight results, the dissenting opinions of the people involved.
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.