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Author
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Topic: James Wetherbee retires
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Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 10782
From: Houston, TX, USA
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted January 11, 2005 03:00 PM
   
NASA Release: 05-017After a career featuring six space missions, five as commander, and multiple senior agency management positions, astronaut James D. Wetherbee (Capt., USN, Ret.) retired from NASA to pursue other interests. Wetherbee flew six times aboard the Space Shuttle. He is the only U.S. astronaut to command five space flights. Most recently, Wetherbee served as the Space Shuttle Lead in the Independent Technical Authority at NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC). Earlier positions included service as Technical Assistant to the Director of JSC's Safety and Mission Assurance Directorate, two years as Director of Flight Crew Operations at JSC and five years as the Deputy Director of JSC. "Jim is a true expert in space operations, who has dedicated his life to space exploration," said Director of Flight Crew Operations Ken Bowersox. "His engineering sense and relentless attention to detail were critical to the success of all of his space missions. Those same skills will serve our country well, as Jim moves on to new challenges," he added. Wetherbee was selected as an astronaut in 1984 and served as pilot aboard STS-32 in 1990. He commanded STS-52 in 1992, STS-63 in 1995, STS-86 in 1997, STS-102 in 2001 and STS-113 in 2002. His missions included flying the first approach for the first rendezvous by a Shuttle with the Russian Mir Space Station, a docking mission to Mir and two flights to the International Space Station. IP: Logged |
Rob Joyner
Member Posts: 773
From: GA, USA
Registered: Jan 2004
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posted January 11, 2005 07:28 PM
NASA has indeed lost a great man with the retirement of Wetherbee. I had the fortunate opportunity to speak with him in 2003 during the Astronaut Hall of Fame weekend at KSC after the Max Q band had finished their set.
I told him I was there at KSC and saw him launch aboard STS-113 Endeavour, his last flight, that past November of '02. He replied,"Oh yeah! I saw you too! You didn't see me waving at you?!"
I'll never forget that one! He proceeded to kindly autograph his photo inside the copy of KSC's Lift-Off magazine dedicated to the STS-113 launch and crew I had brought with me.
A great astronaut, a great drummer and a great man. I wish him well in all his future 'endeavours'.[This message has been edited by Rob Joyner (edited January 11, 2005).] IP: Logged |
BMckay
Member Posts: 916
From: MA, USA
Registered: Sep 2002
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posted January 11, 2005 07:57 PM
I had the chance to meet him at the STS 113 crew night at the space center in Jan of 2003-right before the launch of STS 107. A fun time was had by the whole family that night. We had agreat picture taken with him and he had to knell down because he was taller then us all. he thought it would make for a better picture. I sent him the photo last year but it never came back. I hope he enjoys all his new endeavours. IP: Logged |
pokey
Member Posts: 314
From: Houston, TX, USA
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted January 12, 2005 10:53 AM
Per previous two responses, Wetherbee is always a positive experience. He wasn't born in Texas, but passes for one.  Always took the time to check out what he was signing for me and maybe make a comment about it. A very modest man. If he makes an appearance somewhere please go. He always has time to meet and talk. IP: Logged |
spaceman1953
Member Posts: 562
From: South Bend, IN United States of America
Registered: Apr 2002
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posted January 12, 2005 10:01 PM
He ALWAYS has time to chat and be the friendly astronaut they ALL seem to be.....
He is a Notre Dame grad and comes here from time to time. A THRILL to see !Best of luck commander ! Gene Bella
South Bend IP: Logged |
eurospace
Member Posts: 1660
From: Berlin, Germany
Registered: Dec 2000
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posted January 17, 2005 10:06 AM
Does anybody know what his professional "other interests" are?I doubt he'll become a professional drummer ... ;-) ------------------
Jürgen P Esders
Berlin, Germany
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Astroaddies IP: Logged |
