Frank Sietzen
Keith’s note: My long time friend and collaborator Frank Sietzen Jr. passed away comfortably on Sunday. Born in May 1952, Frank as a consumate space advocate, historian, policy analyst, and journalist. He lived and breathed space. We wrote a book together a few years ago “New Moon Rising” about the Bush Administration’s “Vision for Exploration”. Indeed, we broke the story of this new plan’s existence on the front page of the Washington Times. Frank worked for everyone, so it seems: among others the Space Transportation Association, Aerospace America, SpaceX, UPI, and served as a speech writer for NASA Administrator Bolden. A full resume and bibliography would fill pages. Frank lived his entire adult life amidst space policy. Nearly every phone call with Frank started with “You’ll never guess what I just learned” As such, if there is one thing that I think Frank would ask if his life’s work were to be analyzed, it would be “well, did you learn something?” I sure did.
Ad Astra Frank.
Arrangements and other details to follow.
So sorry to hear this. Frank was a great guy and a dedicated space advocate. RIP buddy.
Frank was a stand-up reporter and a friend of the space program. He will be missed.
He will certainly be missed.
Miserable news. Really terrible to lose someone so young and with so much left to accomplish. He’ll be missed greatly.
Thank you for the tribute Keith. Frank was an exceptional person and an outstanding space journalist. When I think of Frank I am reminded of a quote by astronaut Gus Grissom, who once took the stage for a three-word speech: “Do good work.”
I think that was the essence and excellence of Frank.
I always looked forward to our conversations. He was passionate and articulate about his views. I may not have agreed with all his opinions but I always walked with Frank giving me a new insight. He also had a wonderful sense of humor. He and Keith had a special friendship. And I know this loss is especially hard for you, Keith. Godspeed, Frank. You are missed but will never be forgotten.
RIP Frank. He was passionate and a great space advocate.
I am so sad to hear this… Frank always gave me time when I asked for it… What a great man who could literally, work with, ANYONE.
We never have enough people like this. My condolences to all that knew him. “Fair winds and following seas” Mr. Sietzen.
Sigh. Another truly gentle soul who was steely hard in the face of untruth and stupidity in space policy. I’ll never forget his bringing a real live Falcon 1 to the National Mall as the first big public event for SpaceX in the nation’s capitol. He absolutely giggled about calling up the Capitol Police to tell them, a few years after 9/11, that he was bringing a working ICBM on a flatbed truck within a block of the Capitol Building. Of course he didn’t say it that way… and it wasn’t fueled. But it was a real Falcon 1 with a first-generation Merlin engine.
Frank was one in a billion. Please accept my condolences, Keith.
And of course Frank made it even more absurd when he chose the person to stand in the middle of the closed off street with the rocket and introduce Elon – me.
Deepest sympathies, Keith. I never met Frank but my minimal interactions with him via e-mail revealed a kind, caring, competent man facing his own medical challenges with resolute courage and inspiring good cheer.
Funny… I was just thinking of him the other day and meant to drop you a note to ask how he was doing. Hopefully now, on to an even better place to be himself in all his fullness.
I remember when Frank got sick a few years back, very sad..and this of course is worse. However, Frank was one of the good guys, he’s left a great legacy for those who follow. RIP Frank.
A huge loss to the space community. RIP Frank. You will be sorely missed.
I knew Frank only through his writing and through the comments of his friends. Let us hope there are more like him out there, as-yet unknown younger people taking up the banner.
So sorry for your loss, Keith. What an impressive career he had.
How sad. He was a great writer and knew so much about space. We seem to have lost a lot of great folks these last few months. My condolences Keith. I also send my condolences to all his friends and family.
Sorry to hear this. I had the privilege of working with Frank over two decades ago. I learned something from him in every conversation. My condolences to his family and friends.
I worked with Frank for a few years in New Orleans. Sad to hear of his passing. I was a unique person with unique perspectives. He will be greatly missed.