Mike Griffin's Closing Statement
“Last year, I addressed the considerations governing the design of NASA’s Constellation architecture, to get on the record why the design is what it is. However, judging by the many questions I receive on the topic, I didn’t do a very good job, so I will try again today. And, while I will try not to repeat what I have said in prior speeches and testimony, I must admit that in tackling these issues I am reminded of Shakespeare’s Henry V: “Once more into the breach, dear friends …” Constellation was designed to implement a new civil space policy, articulated by the president in the aftermath of the Columbia accident, and modified, extended, and enhanced by both Republican and Democratic Congresses in the NASA Authorization Acts of 2005 and 2008.”
We think: NASA’s chief paved the way for his exit by dismissing other views, editorial, Orlando Sentinel
“Barring a reprieve from President-elect Barack Obama, Michael Griffin appears on his way out after nearly four years as NASA’s administrator. It’s high time for him to go. Mr. Griffin brought unmatched credentials as a scientist and engineer to the administrator’s job when he took over in 2005. Under his leadership, NASA completed the lengthy and difficult process of returning shuttles to flight after the 2003 Columbia disaster and got back to building the international space station. But Mr. Griffin’s approach to NASA’s next manned mission — the moon and Mars program called Constellation — has been my-way-or-the-highway. Coupled with his cavalier attitude toward chronic cost overruns in other programs, Mr. Griffin has become the wrong man to steer the agency forward. His impatience with criticism is a troubling throwback to the days when dissenting views at NASA were suppressed, with disastrous consequences.”
