posted 05-22-2023 06:56 PM               

Briscoe was on console with STS-51L lead flight director Jay Greene when space shuttle Challenger was lost in January 1986.

From his obituary as prepared by his family:

Lee spent his entire career at NASA and was a part of many history making missions. He worked in various flight control positions in Mission Operations during the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Space Shuttle, and International Space Station Programs. Lee became a Flight Director in 1983 and was quickly promoted to the ascent/entry Flight Director. While in this role, he received the NASA Exceptional Service Medal for his effort as the chairman of the Ascent Flight Techniques Panel in returning the shuttle to flight status in the post-Challenger era.

Lee was named the Deputy Manager of Space Shuttle Operations in 1991, working for NASA Headquarters in Washington DC and at the JSC in Houston. Next, he became the Chief of the Flight Director Office in 1992 and in 1998, was named the Mission Operations Chief Engineer.

Lee assumed the role of Deputy Director of JSC Mission Operations in 2002, and was responsible for all aspects of Shuttle and International Space Station operations. During this time, he also served as the Acting Director of Safety, Reliability, and Quality Assurance, and was responsible for all safety activity at the Johnson Space Center and the Shuttle and Space Station Programs.

Lee's final role at NASA, in 2004, was as the Acting Director of all JSC Mission Operations. Over the years, Lee received two Senior Executive Service Presidential Rank Awards as a Meritorious Executive, recognizing his efforts in supporting human space flight and operations.

Lee retired in 2005 after 40 years of dedicated service and was the recipient of the NASA Distinguished Service Medal. After retirement, he continued to work as a consultant in aerospace operations and to lecture throughout the country on topics related to risk management, safety, and the space program.