Steve Cook Departure Update

NASA Internal Memo From Jeff Hanley Regarding Steve Cook’s Departure
“Steve’s departure places a new challenge on all of you. That challenge is to support Teresa in the same manner as Steve has enjoyed, and to keep moving the ball down the field. The best way to honor Steve’s service is to press forward with resolve. To those who wish to ‘read something into’ Steve’s departure, I say this… The substance of Ares is dependent on no specific individual. It is what the integrated team HAS accomplished and WILL accomplish that matters. And it is in your hands – it remains true that the very BEST expression of the true heart of the Ares team will be the fortitude required to honor Steve’s contribution and excel beyond it.”
Ares chief leaving to rejoin ex-boss, Huntsville Times
“Cook has overseen previously canceled spacecraft and rockets. He was manager of the X-33 spaceplane – a $2 billion effort abandoned because of technical problems – the X-34 rocket engine development program and a reusable rocket program known as the Delta Clipper. Longtime NASA observer and critic Keith Cowing said Cook’s departure seems “curious given where the Ares I program is.” “I cannot imagine if things are truly going to get interesting with Ares, then why leave now?” said Cowing, who runs NASAwatch.com.”
NASA MSFC Internal Memo: Steve Cook Resignation
“Effective Monday, August 31, Teresa Vanhooser will take over as Acting Manager, Ares Projects Office. Teresa will do a great job in leading the team toward accomplishing our near and long term milestones and my last request of you is to support her fully as you did me – your support kept me going.”