A Conversation With: the people of USA
Editor’s Note: For this edition of the USA Update, we wanted to hear what employees were thinking and saying as they look toward the end of the Shuttle Program and beyond. As we expected, the comments we received were highly inspirational.
UPDATE: Why have you decided to stay with USA through the end of the Shuttle Program?
BILL TRACY, Lead Flight Dynamic Officer for the STS-125 mission: This is what I do, and I can’t think of anything I’d rather be doing or anywhere I’d rather be. I’ve said this many times, I have a front row seat to the best show in town. There are a lot of reasons for this.
First of all, it’s America’s space program. All through my life, I’ve watched NASA do extraordinary things, beginning with just getting man into space at all. … Working in Mission Control is an effort that I truly enjoy, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.
Second, working with the people of NASA is just as extraordinary as the work they do. Sure, everyone has their strengths and weaknesses, but all have that drive to contribute to the space program. In many ways, they are just like me, and no matter what we may disagree on, we will always have that one thing in common: that we love space exploration. Why else would anyone work for NASA? You learn very early that you don’t get rich working for the government (or government contractor), but you also learn that you better love what you do because you will be spending a lot of time doing it. I’ve worked with some people for over 20 years and others for only a few months. However, all of them have the drive that is needed to succeed in space. Somehow, it’s comforting to know that after I’m gone from here that a new generation of space explorers will still have the same drive and energy that I did when I first started.
Finally, I think it would be too hard to leave when the Shuttle is flying. Yes, I know that the Shuttle Program is coming to an end and that my life may change drastically after 2010. I know that there may not be a place for me. But right now, my place is here. It’s where I belong. I wouldn’t be happy anyplace else.
TIM LEE, Receiving and Transportation Manager: I am a large proponent of manned space flight. I would like to continue supporting the Shuttle to the end of the program. I also would like the opportunity to support the new manned space flight program.
BOB VAETH, Quality Engineer: I believe that USA has many unique and exceptional capabilities associated with ground operations and processing of the Space Shuttle. The Space Shuttle Program would not exist without USA. Aerospace and aviation have been one of my greatest career interests since I was a kid growing up in upstate New York. The Space Shuttle Program combines aerospace and aviation (rockets and gliders) like no other space program.
Working with USA through the end of the Shuttle Program allows myself and many other people here at the space program to continue with our aerospace/aviation imagination, dreams, enthusiasm and contributions to the space efforts into the next program. The dream is still alive in all of the people who have decided to stay with USA through the end of the program.
DAMON PETTY, Aerospace Composite Senior Technician: It has been a great pleasure being able to contribute my hard work and dedication to one of our nation’s greatest endeavors for the past 20 years. I would like the opportunity to continue to provide my knowledge and expertise to USA and the Shuttle Program to ensure successful launches until its retirement. I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and challenges of my career and being able to participate in this remarkable part of history.
JACK ROBERTSON, Electrical Advance Aerospace Technician: Because I have spent the last 24 years of my life in the Space Shuttle Program, I feel I have contributed to America’s history. It has given me great satisfaction working on the program, and to see it to the successful completion of the last mission would be very gratifying.
PAT FLOYD, Orbiter Vehicle Engineer: I have decided to stay with USA through the end of the Shuttle Program for many reasons. Over the past 25-plus years, both USA management and the Shuttle Program have given me numerous opportunities and challenges that have made the Shuttle Program an integral part of my life. I feel my experience, knowledge and dedication will be helpful to fly out the Shuttle fleet in a safe and effective manner.
ROD RICHARDSON, Project Engineer/Lead: The short answer is the Shuttle Program has been a very exciting and rewarding program to work on, and USA has been a very good company to work for. I think in general it’s easy to let any job become routine and to take your day-to-day activities for granted. However, I have been fortunate to be in an environment where there have been consistent reminders that we are in a unique business, working on an exceptional program.
RICK UDO, Ops and Processing Staff: I was here before the first Shuttle launch, and I would like to be here for the last. It has been a good career for me. I do hope to be here in the next program, but if it isn’t meant to be, then I at least have my experiences to pass on to my grandchildren.
UPDATE: What do you see as the main benefits/rewards of your decision to you and your family, to the Shuttle Program and our nation?
MARK ARCHER, Flight Computer Processing Technician: Just knowing I was a part of finishing the Shuttle Program, which is a big part to our nation in my eyes, will be rewarding enough. The benefit of it all is that I hopefully can be here to start the transition into our next manned space flight program.
PAT PASSALACQUA, Pricing Analyst: The main benefit to staying through the end of the Shuttle Program is to successfully complete an action started 30 years ago: to become part of history every day, to be gainfully employed while contributing my best efforts to the Shuttle Program, ensuring our nation’s standing as a world leader.
LINDA NELSON, Senior Materials Engineer: The main benefit for myself is no matter how long I have been a part of this program, I am always learning. It is rewarding to experience a successful launch and landing, no matter how many times I have seen it. My family will benefit by being able to pursue their own lives in Brevard County for at least a few more years. To the Shuttle Program and our nation? The program is only as strong as those contributing to it, whether they are young with fresh ideas or older with experience and comprehensive knowledge.
The program needs a balance of each. As I have traveled around the country and to other countries, I am humbled by how many people are envious of my job. The space program is a source of national pride and demonstrates our country’s leadership. It is great to be part of that!
HARVEY BAKER, Pads and Offsite Recovery Manager: I think one of the rewards will be the satisfaction starting with the Shuttle Program and helping to successfully complete a major era of space. Another is being a part of the only Space Shuttle Program in the world is something very few people will have had the pleasure and opportunity of doing in their lifetime. … The benefit for my family, which is a major part for anyone involved in the space industry, would be sharing, supporting and their involvement along with the monetary rewards. Each family has sacrifices to make because of hours worked, time separated for offsite support. The success of the program is not only because of the employees’ work and involvement, it is the support of the family that makes it complete, which is a benefit to the employee, company and family. The benefit to the space program and nation, I think, would be my 40-plus years of experience, continued work and dedication to supporting many space programs on and off KSC.
PERRY NJUGUNA, Ops and Processing Staff: The main benefit for me is being part of history, however small that may be. It is also personally rewarding because of the exposure to so many people of different backgrounds, some of who have become good friends, and it is these memories that I hope to carry in the years to come. To the Shuttle Program and our nation? There have of course been a lot of tangible benefits and industries that have spun off from the Shuttle Program, but, most of all, to our nation, it’s a testament of the great things that we can accomplish when we have unity of purpose.
MIKE COX, SRB Engineering Integration Project Leader: As for me and my family, the main benefit/reward of staying with the Shuttle Program to the end will be measured in personal satisfaction. For the Shuttle Program and the nation, it is imperative that we conclude the program safely and successfully. That can best be achieved if we maintain a core of team members on board with significant experience that spans the duration of the program.
UPDATE: What do you feel you can still contribute to the Space Shuttle Program?
FOSTER TATE, Ops and Processing Staff: My input is very small, but it feels great to still make a contribution to one of the greatest wonders of the world.
STEVE BISHOP, Ops and Processing Staff: What I can contribute to the completion of the Space Shuttle Program is my job knowledge and commitment to its safe and successful completion.
THOMAS SUMMERS, Technician Ops Staff: In a word, experience. In a few more words, continuing to drive improvements to the process of safely flying a Space Shuttle. Just because the last Shuttle flight has been scheduled doesn’t mean we can’t improve the way we do things now.
JOHN PETHERICK, Logistics Analyst: The support of the Shuttle Program has been my main focus since 1998. It has been a great learning experience and has given me a great opportunity to put my skills to use. As resources become scarce, it is vital to be able to plan for and react to situations that are unusual. Continuation of the program while planning for shutdown requires diligence. Constant analysis of the situation, schedule adherence and working problems are required. Having been involved with other program shutdowns, such as the 757 Body Structure, Shuttle Payload Bay Doors and the B-1b, has given me insight into many of the problems involved.
KATE HENN, Digital Processing System/Instrumentation Engineering Manager: A can-do attitude and a willingness to be flexible as USA implements changes to better position itself for the future.
JEFF LAKASZCYCK, Orbiter Processing Facility 2 Shop Lead: Hopefully, I can continue to do the things we do every day to process the Orbiters and get them ready to fly. I think I can still help keep us on track to work safely and keep up our enthusiasm for this program. I think it is important to all of us to fly out this program safely and successfully.
UPDATE: What will it mean to you to be on the job when the final mission ends safely and successfully?
LEE RISINGER, Flight Computer Processing Technician: I will miss the Shuttle. It is truly one of the greater achievements of this nation, and I believe it is a symbol of exploration that we will all miss seeing fly. It also makes me look to a new future in space exploration, one I would like to see catapulted to new levels. I am excited about the future, and I hope I am part of making it possible.
JOANNE PIETROCOLA, Logistics Engineer: It will be very emotional; however, I will be so full of pride and fulfillment knowing I was part of one of the most incredible, technological successes this nation has ever seen. Although it will be the end of the Shuttle Program, its success will live through generations, and for me, the memories of some of the finest people and the most gratifying work will always be with me. It’s been my dream to be with this program from start to finish, completing an entire cycle. I will always feel that this has been, for me, the most incredible ride of my life. Hopefully, my dedication and experience will be of value to the next program, and my contributions would continue to be part of its success.
MICHAEL CHIASSON, Flight Crew Equipment Shipping and Receiving Technician: I will have a great sense of pride to know that I was a part of a NASA team since 1987. I started after the Challenger accident and have been a small part of every flight since then. I have seen a lot of history being made, and to know I had a small part in it makes me proud.
MARY SUMNER, Ares I-X Meeting Manager: How better can we end this mission if not safely and successfully? That is our ultimate goal. Anything less is unacceptable. … Each new program brought new rewards. Such will be the same for the Shuttle Program. … My plans are to be here until the last launch and landing and to be here to bring in the next vehicle. Then, I will pass the torch to my son who has already chosen to walk in his parents’ footsteps as an avid, committed supporter of this nation’s Space Program.
TODD McLAUGHLIN, SRB Test Operations: It will be a gratifying honor to see the Shuttle return home safely from the last successful mission. I will be very proud to have served my country by helping to safely process flight equipment up to the final landing and post-processing of the Shuttle and launch hardware. I believe we will all be just as excited and focused on the next phase of the space program. I am looking forward to the future and the opportunities our nation will grant the human space flight workforce.
LARRY BUDNICK, Test Project Engineer: I suspect it will be a lot like the day my son goes off to college. There will be a celebration of pride in all the accomplishments that led up to the event but restrained sadness that a part of our lives will be changed forever. It will be a day to look forward to new opportunities while holding on to the memories that have been made.
CHARLIE ROMEO, Senior Thermal Protection System Engineer: That will be a big day. The thought of that does cross my mind from time to time. On one hand I believe I will feel a sense of sadness. By that time, a large number of us will have dedicated the majority of their professional lives to the Shuttle Program. It will be a difficult thing to come to the realization that it’s over. I’m sure I will think of all of the people I had the pleasure of working with throughout the years, especially those who are no longer with us.
On the other hand, there will be a sense of pride. We all know of the tremendous accomplishments this remarkable vehicle achieved, and for that, everyone throughout the history of the program should be proud. Our leaders and NASA have directed we let go of the Shuttle to make way for a new launch vehicle. The retirement of the Shuttle means it’s time for Constellation to step up and carry on with the Space Station, the moon and even Mars. It won’t be easy, but nothing in this business is.
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