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Author
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Topic: Sean O'Keefe Might Be Leaving?
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star51L
Member Posts: 340
From: Vilano Beach, FL, USA
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 12-11-2004 09:48 AM
   
http://www.floridatoday.com/!NEWSROOM/spacestoryN1211OKEEFE.htm |
star51L
Member Posts: 340
From: Vilano Beach, FL, USA
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 12-11-2004 05:29 PM
Updated, looks like a done deal. http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewnews.html?id=996
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star51L
Member Posts: 340
From: Vilano Beach, FL, USA
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 12-12-2004 01:54 AM
Yet another update, looks like they have some folks in mind for the position:
http://www.floridatoday.com/!NEWSROOM/spacestoryN1212OKEEFENU0.htm |
John McGauley
Member Posts: 151
From: Fort Wayne, Indiana USA
Registered: May 2001
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posted 12-12-2004 01:38 PM
Hard to believe he's going to leave before the return to flight. Talk about leaving a job half-finished. |
Sy Liebergot
Member Posts: 501
From: Pearland, Texas USA
Registered: May 2003
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posted 12-12-2004 02:08 PM
S.O. was hired to be a 'bean counter" and he turned out to be just that as well a risk adverse, non-visionary. I'm not sure NASA can survive two administrators in a row such as Dan Goldin and Sean O'Keefe. Hopefully, the next person will approve a manned Hubble refurb mission, put the CEV and the new space vision on a fast and visible track. Need to get the press and public fired up about positive news about NASA. NASA Select TV needs to be changed to a dynamic programming scheme such as FOX cable news uses. Now? Bo-ring! Need an astronaut, not some retired general.
I apologize for the rant. Feel better, tho.
Sy Liebergot
"Apollo EECOM: Journey of A Lifetime" www.apolloeecom.com |
John McGauley
Member Posts: 151
From: Fort Wayne, Indiana USA
Registered: May 2001
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posted 12-12-2004 03:27 PM
Sy:I'm happy that you "ranted"! I cut my comments short, in case I was in the minority. It has been disappointing to see how spaceflight has suffered under an administration I've supported twice. Almost on day one, they slashed the hab module and escape capability from ISS. If anyone can convince me that the "vision" for space exploration is anything but an excuse to curtail manned spaceflight and I'll buy you lunch (at a location of my choice, here in northern Indiana!) O'Keefe holds great news conferences and makes great promises, but I say good riddance. I'll say a prayer that Bob Crippen gets the job. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42986
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 12-12-2004 03:57 PM
While I did not always agree with the decisions or approaches he made, I do feel that O'Keefe was good for a post-Goldin NASA. Regardless of who inherited the job, Congress wasn't going to be happy until the Space Station budget was under some semblance of control. He also reset the tone for an open NASA - not only responding to press requests, but actively inviting them to get involved. Within the first few months of his taking office, I was invited to one of his many press breakfasts he held at his office and was impressed by his candor. I can certainly understand Sy's "rant" (and can even agree with some of it), but when weighed against the Congressional pressure that existed when he took office, I believe he is also due some praise. NASA may very well have needed a "bean counter" to get it to the point where Congress could approve an increase in its budget and even accept a Vision proposal. When Goldin left office, Congress was dead set against even the mention of manned flight beyond Earth orbit. Now that O'Keefe has decided to leave, its time to find a candidate who inherently understands why it is we explore space and can advance the Vision to reality. |
Sy Liebergot
Member Posts: 501
From: Pearland, Texas USA
Registered: May 2003
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posted 12-12-2004 03:58 PM
JG,
If Bob's truly on the short list, he gets my vote. NASA doen't need another "on-the-job" trainee.
Sy |
bruce
Member Posts: 916
From: Fort Mill, SC, USA
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 12-12-2004 04:12 PM
I think Bob Crippen could very well be up to bat. It would be nice to have a former driver in the driver's seat.Best,
Bruce |
star51L
Member Posts: 340
From: Vilano Beach, FL, USA
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 12-12-2004 05:23 PM
A bio on the supposed 'front-runner' for the job; I feel Robert Crippen deserves serious consideration for the job, but from what I an reading, this is your man...if he wants the job.
http://www.af.mil/bios/bio.asp?bioID=5988 |
ejectr
Member Posts: 1751
From: Killingly, CT
Registered: Mar 2002
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posted 12-12-2004 07:21 PM
Bob Crippen should get it, in my opinion. |
WAWalsh
Member Posts: 809
From: Cortlandt Manor, NY
Registered: May 2000
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posted 12-13-2004 12:32 AM
It is tempting to say that first positive thing that O'Keefe will do for the agency is his departure. I am hardpressed to identify a program decision that he has made that I concur on and he has no sense or understanding of the agency that he has led. I know nothing about Lt. Gen. Kadish, but the agency that he has led does nothing to make me support his candidacy. The sentimental favorites would certainly be either Crippen or former Sen. Harrison Schmitt. Rep. Walker, as I recall, was a huge fan of privatizing space travel and reducing NASA 25 years ago and I would not expect that view to have changed (if my memory is accurate). |
Rodina
Member Posts: 836
From: Lafayette, CA
Registered: Oct 2001
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posted 12-13-2004 01:18 AM
I see no advantage -- none -- to having a former astronaut serve as Administrator. Richard Truly was a disaster but that's beside the point -- you need a politician, a guy who understands Washington, if you mean for NASA to remain a player in the space business. Another pointless bureaucrat, like Truly, and NASA is going to wonder how Sir Richard Branson beat them to the Moon.Bob Walker -- or this guy from ballistic missile defense -- both make a lot of sense. Robert Crippen, whose a fine astronaut and I'm sure a great guy, doesn't have a political resume as far as I can tell. James Webb was a great adminsitrator because he was a great politican, and you need someone that good if we want to return the Moon. |
november25
Member Posts: 646
From: Douglas, Isle of Man, UK
Registered: Feb 2004
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posted 12-13-2004 01:01 PM
Sy-
having read your book-Jour ney of A Lifetime. I certainly agree to a Hubble
RE-FIRB-MISSION. A certain former Astronaut
who successfully did [THE BALLET] on STS61
repair mission, also a good friend of mine-
think he might be consulted regarding any future Hubble re-furb, plus he has spent 30 years with NASA,acheived more than most on this subject,plus he give Space education Lectures,and in my mind IS ONE OF THE GREATEST GUYS-
This is only my heartfelt idea-
#Happy Christmas to To You and Yours*
Regards from Brenda
This was posted by november25 |
Mike Isbell
Member Posts: 551
From: Silver Spring, Maryland USA
Registered: Aug 2003
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posted 12-13-2004 04:19 PM
Keeping in mind that the list of possible replacements for Mr. O'Keefe has apparently been narrowed to five people already, I am of the opinion that Fred Gregory should become the new Administrator for NASA. I think that Col. Gregory's qualifications are excellent and he already holds the post of Deputy Administrator for NASA. |
star51L
Member Posts: 340
From: Vilano Beach, FL, USA
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 12-13-2004 05:24 PM
From NASA Watch:"Names that are circulating as possible replacements for O'Keefe and/or Deputy Adminstrator include former Missile Defense Agency Director Lt. General Ronald Kadish, USAF Ret. (currently the odds on favorite for Administrator on Capitol Hill), former Congressman and House Science Committee chair Robert Walker, former astronaut and one-time Deputy Administrator nominee Charles Bolden, former astronaut and currently DoD Director of Defense Research and Engineering Ronald Sega, and former astronaut and KSC Center Director Robert Crippen. Other names will no doubt surface once everyone arrives at work Monday morning and rumor mongering accelerates into a frenzy. Update: Now the name of Pete Worden has started making the rounds. He apparently has his own cheerleading section - including a well known millionaire - who will soon be working Capitol Hill on his behalf." All seem to have an engineering/aeronautical background of some sort, which can only be a plus. |
FFrench
Member Posts: 3161
From: San Diego
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 12-13-2004 05:25 PM
I am surprised that no-one has touted Charlie Bolden here at all. A great combination of leadership skills (he did an admirable job down here at Miramar and other local Marine postings) and incredible tact - the guy knows how to smooth the waters when needed. Fred Gregory, on the other hand - if he handled running NASA the same way he handled being in charge of Safety and Mission Assurance during the Shuttle-MIR program, we would be unlikely to have a space program for long. He would be at the very end of my list - and I am glad he is not on the shortlist. FF |
Mike Isbell
Member Posts: 551
From: Silver Spring, Maryland USA
Registered: Aug 2003
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posted 12-13-2004 07:00 PM
It is my understanding that Gen. Bolden is on the short list of possilbe replacements. |
FFrench
Member Posts: 3161
From: San Diego
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 12-13-2004 07:13 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Mike Isbell:
It is my understanding that Gen. Bolden is on the short list of possilbe replacements.
Indeed, that's what I was referring to ... and I've been surprised that no-one here is listing him as their top choice. |
Fra Mauro
Member Posts: 1587
From: Bethpage, N.Y.
Registered: Jul 2002
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posted 12-14-2004 11:00 AM
Sy hits all the points I wanted to make about O'Keefe. He did get the ISS under financial control but he never seemed to love space exploration. The next NASA administrator needs to be a bit more excited
about space exploration and transfer that to the public. He wasn't a bad administrator
but he wasn't what NASA needed. |
star51L
Member Posts: 340
From: Vilano Beach, FL, USA
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 12-14-2004 07:12 PM
Again from NasaWatch:"Now that the names of possible replacement candidates for Sean O'Keefe have been swirling around for a couple of days, reliable sources tell me that both Bob Walker and Bob Crippen are not inclined to take the job (The Washington Post quotes Walker as saying he is not seeking the job). Meanwhile, Adm. Craig Steidle's name is starting to make the rounds, as is that of former astronaut Frank Culbertson. Pete Worden now has Sen. Brownback quietly supporting him as a possible candidate. Out on the west coast, JPLers are mounting a campaign to advance the name of JPL director Charles Elachi". I've enjoyed reading the responses to this thread: I value all of your opinions and I'm sure we all agree in our hopes that someone is hired with the agency's best interests at heart. And Mr.Liebergot, I've not had the pleasure of conversing in this forum with you before; thank you for gracing us with your presence and it is an honor sir. Chris
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star51L
Member Posts: 340
From: Vilano Beach, FL, USA
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 12-19-2004 01:32 PM
From NasaWatch (again):After a week of speculation and rumor mongering the following evolution of the purported names being considered for NASA Adminstrator has developed: Names still in play: Steidle and Walker, and to a lesser extent, Kadish and Worden (despite Brownback's endorsement). Names no longer in play: Bolden, Sega, Crippen, Culbertson, Elachi From The Houston Chronicle:
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/editorial/2953525 Personally, I wonder just how effective ANY Administrator could or will be, what with the agency in the crosshairs of so many of the legislative bunch. Too bad reincarnation isn't an option...we sure could use the second-coming of Jim Webb right now.... |
Mike Isbell
Member Posts: 551
From: Silver Spring, Maryland USA
Registered: Aug 2003
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posted 12-26-2004 08:03 PM
I still am of the opinion that Fred Gregory should become the new administrator. NASA would be in as good hands as posible with him being in charge.
True the Shuttle-Mir flights were not the best carried out project in the history of the manned space programs, however the decision to have this progam beyond Dr. Thagard's flight was in large part out of NASA's hands. Further, because the Mir was being controlled by the Russian Space Agency, there was very little Col. Gregory could do other than try to minimize somewhat the risks that were inherent to this program. I personally witnessed Col. Gregory question Vladimir Soloviyov about the safeness of the Mir less than 2 weeks before Dr. David Wolf was launched to replace Dr. Michael Foale following the collision with the Progress resupply spacecraft. I'm more than satified that Col.Gregory did all that was possible before preceeding with a decision that was probably out of his hands. I am convinced that Col. Gregory would also perform as best as can be possible as NASA's Administrator.
The powers that be would do very well to reconsider the short list before making a selection. |
Mike Isbell
Member Posts: 551
From: Silver Spring, Maryland USA
Registered: Aug 2003
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posted 02-15-2005 08:46 PM
Now that Col. Gregory is the Acting Administrator for NASA, I hope that the current administration either leaves him in this capacity on a trial basis or, preferably, goes ahead and names him the new Administrator outright. |
capejeffs
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posted 02-16-2005 09:49 AM
Chris you're right, your thread is great to read (I didn't get to acknowledge Sy either. Instead of Hollywood, the REAL Sy. Have to get him to sign my copy. But honor is right, Chris)Posters here neglected Robert's thoughts, which I found interesting (Glad Mr O'keefe invited him too, honoring influential & quality work. Was O'Keefe's invite, but wonder who really was behind it, shows someone's on top of things). Robert in a way shows O'KEEFE AS THE NECESSARY HEAT-TAKING OFFICIAL after the massive overruns, toward a tranisition. Some posts here are out of date -- WHAT A TRANSITION we've seen, an administration that has bloomed into the ones who are taking the helm of the new adventures we've waited so long for (or am I misled, should we still be cautious?). The next official just might get to be on top of the building of glorious things. Like, Star51L, Jim Webb. Isn't it curious how he had to leave not long before the landing?? Sy, I think NASA TV has shown at least miniscule inching towards more excitement, with the space vision ads & weekly news capsule. But schwew, you're still right! Posting exactly what's going to be broadcast each day might be a little idea, if someone at nasatv could move their fingers to type it for us, for a moment or 2 every few days! rant rant STAR51L related to Star51? (if not, what do you think of your handle being "encroached" on! Cool, they are both fascinating though) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pleiades cometstreams ."..consider the heavens..". Beautiful, from the weekly 'observe' sec., & S.Seip. http://SKYandTELESCOPE.com/mm_images/7756.jpg
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [This message has been edited by capejeffs (edited February 16, 2005).] |
capejeffs
New Member Posts:
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posted 02-16-2005 10:31 AM
MR ISBELL (rants aside) I am so glad you made your post! Would've missed this otherwise. A post I made not long ago shows pointedly how I missed this discussion. http://collectspace.com/ubb/Forum38/HTML/000119.html (in case you missed it) By the way, that response was given directly through Gregory's office quickly after we contacted them when some of us were discussing things about Fred). So delighted, Mike, that you speak well of Col. Gregory, I share your thoughts. There's that astronaut-in-office matter again, and the administrative background question. But your thoughts are good, Mike. I'd almost like to send the White House a note about this, for their input tallying, amybe others would too. Thanks again, Mike. Hmm, I learned another thing about Brenda's connections here, too! |
Mike Isbell
Member Posts: 551
From: Silver Spring, Maryland USA
Registered: Aug 2003
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posted 02-17-2005 10:37 AM
Thank you Jeff. I would just like to say that in regard to having an administrative bachground, Col. Gregory had been an Associate Administrator for NASA from 1992 until his appointment as Deputy Administrator in 2002. I therefore am of the opinion that his administrative backgroud is more than enough to be qualified to be Administrator for NASA. As to the issue of the astronaut in office, Adm. Truly was also an astronaut prior to becoming the Administrator for NASA in 1989. Also, who better to have in charge of our nation's space program than a person who has had the experience of having been on spaceflights ( and having been the Commander of two of them ) and therefore having a first hand appreciation of the risks and responsibilities that are involved in manned spaceflight ?[This message has been edited by Mike Isbell (edited February 17, 2005).] |
capejeffs
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posted 02-17-2005 12:10 PM
Hey, Good Afternoon, Mike. I didn't write my thoughts properly above, because I think its the greatest thing in the world to have an astronaut in that office -- except for Rodina's point. Rodina in the 10th post on this page made the good point how it might be better to have top notch D.C. political & administrative background for the job, and that Truly maybe had probs. Thanks for the "since 1992" fact, Mike. I don't know, I just like Fred! Andounds very much like he's had time to learn the ropes. |
Dave Clow
Member Posts: 236
From: South Pasadena, CA 91030
Registered: Nov 2003
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posted 02-17-2005 10:05 PM
It's going to be a challenge to get the nation motivated again about space exploration without a compelling competitor for the lead. Frank Borman wasn't entirely right, but he did have a point: the Cold War was as much a booster for Apollo as the Saturn V was. With an astronomical buget deficit, a nation more committed right now to faith and evangelicalism than it is to hard science, and the tendency of the political leaders to pay lip service instead of hard work to some commitments, the next NASA leader has his work cut out for him. What a great thing to see Sy Liebergot here. Thanks for adding your candid thoughts, Sy. |
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