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{{Short description|American engineer, NASA Director (1932–2024)}}
{{Short description|American NASA administrator (1932–2024)}}
{{More footnotes needed|date=July 2021}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}}
{{Use American English|date=January 2014}}
{{Use American English|date=January 2014}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name =
| name =
| image = George Abbey.gif
| image = George Abbey.gif
| alt = Black and white photograph of a middle-aged man with brush-cut hair, wearing a drak-colored suitcoat and necktie, and a white dress shirt
| alt = Black and white photograph of a middle-aged man with brush-cut hair, wearing a dark-colored suitcoat and necktie, and a white dress shirt
| caption = George Abbey
| caption = George Abbey
| birth_name = George William Samuel Abbey
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1932|08|21}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1932|08|21}}
| birth_place = [[Seattle]], Washington, U.S.
| birth_place = [[Seattle]], Washington, U.S.
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| death_place = [[Houston]], Texas, U.S.
| death_place = [[Houston]], Texas, U.S.
| known_for = Director of the [[Johnson Space Center]]
| known_for = Director of the [[Johnson Space Center]]
| occupation = NASA Administrator, United States Air Force pilot
| occupation = {{hlist|NASA Administrator|United States Air Force pilot}}
| spouse = {{marriage|Joyce Abbey|end=div}}
| spouse = {{marriage|Joyce Widerman|1955|1980|end=div}}
| children = 5
| children = 5
}}
}}
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'''George William Samuel Abbey''' (August 21, 1932 – March 24, 2024) was an American [[NASA]] administrator and [[United States Air Force]] pilot. Graduating from the [[Air Force Institute of Technology]] as an electrical engineer, he then served in the [[United States Air Force]] and the [[Apollo program]]. He subsequently became director of flight crews for the [[Space Shuttle]], then director of the [[Johnson Space Center]]. Honors include the [[NASA Exceptional Service Medal]], the [[NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal]], three [[NASA Distinguished Service Medal]]s and the 1970 [[Presidential Medal of Freedom]].
'''George William Samuel Abbey''' (August 21, 1932 – March 24, 2024) was an American [[NASA]] administrator and [[United States Air Force]] pilot. Graduating from the [[Air Force Institute of Technology]] as an electrical engineer, he then served in the [[United States Air Force]] and the [[Apollo program]]. He subsequently became director of flight crews for the [[Space Shuttle]], then director of the [[Johnson Space Center]]. Honors include the [[NASA Exceptional Service Medal]], the [[NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal]], three [[NASA Distinguished Service Medal]]s and the 1970 [[Presidential Medal of Freedom]].


==Early Life and education==
==Early life and education==
Abbey was born in [[Seattle]], on August 21, 1932, the fourth child of Sam and Brenta Abbey. His father was born in London, emigrated to Canada, then served in [[World War I]]. Settling briefly in [[Laugharne]], Wales, the couple moved to Canada, then settled in Seattle.<ref name = "BBC Dylan Thomas">{{cite news|last=Ryall|first=Gemma|title=The man who sent Dylan Thomas into space|work=[[BBC News]]|publisher=[[BBC|British Broadcasting Corporation]]|location=London|date=April 25, 2013|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-22299909|access-date=March 25, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171214085355/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-22299909|archive-date=December 14, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>{{sfn|Cassutt|2018|p=7}}
Abbey was born in [[Seattle]], on August 21, 1932, the fourth child of Sam and Brenta Abbey. His father was born in London, emigrated to Canada, then served in [[World War I]]. Settling briefly in [[Laugharne]], Wales, the couple moved to Canada, then settled in Seattle.<ref name = "BBC Dylan Thomas">{{cite news|last=Ryall|first=Gemma|title=The man who sent Dylan Thomas into space|work=[[BBC News]]|publisher=[[BBC|British Broadcasting Corporation]]|location=London|date=April 25, 2013|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-22299909|access-date=March 25, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171214085355/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-22299909|archive-date=December 14, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=McCrum |first1=Kirstie |title=Flying high: The career path that sent George Abbey soaring from his maternal home in Laugharne to Nasa |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/george-abbey-nasa-speak-faraday-2991545 |access-date=March 30, 2024 |work=Wales Online |date=April 22, 2013 |language=en |quote=His mother, Bridget Gibby, came from Laugharne in Carmarthenshire; she was working in London when she met George's father, Sam Abbey, and the couple married before moving to Seattle, where George was born on August 21, 1932.}}</ref>{{sfn|Cassutt|2018|p=7}}


Although his father was an [[agnostic]], Abbey was raised in his mother's [[Presbyterian]] faith and frequently attended [[Lutheran]] church services during his high school years to be with his [[Scandinavia|Scandinavian]] friends.{{sfn|Cassutt|2018|pp=7-8}} Abbey attended [[Lincoln High School (Seattle, Washington)|Lincoln High School]] in Seattle and graduated in 1950. After he graduated, he joined [[Naval Reserve Officers' Training Corps]] (NROTC) at the [[University of Washington]].{{sfn|Cassutt|2018|p=10}} At the behest of his brother Vince, George applied for [[United States Naval Academy]] in [[Annapolis, Maryland]], and barely passed the entrance examination.{{sfn|Cassutt|2018|p=10}} He received his bachelor's degree in general science there in 1954; and a master's degree in electrical engineering from the [[U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology]] at [[Wright-Patterson Air Force Base]], Ohio, in 1959.<ref name = cassutt1>{{cite journal|last=Cassutt|first =Michael|title=Mr. Inside|journal=[[Air & Space/Smithsonian|Air & Space Magazine]]|publisher=[[Smithsonian Institution]]|location=[[Washington, D.C.]]|issue=August 2011|url=http://www.airspacemag.com/space/mr-inside-27623361/?all|accessdate=March 25, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120192948/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/mr-inside-27623361/|archive-date=January 20, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
Although his father was an agnostic, Abbey was raised in his mother's [[Presbyterian]] faith and frequently attended [[Lutheran]] church services during his high school years to be with his [[Scandinavia]]n friends.{{sfn|Cassutt|2018|pp=7–8}} Abbey attended [[Lincoln High School (Seattle, Washington)|Lincoln High School]] in Seattle and graduated in 1950. After he graduated, he joined [[Naval Reserve Officers' Training Corps]] (NROTC) at the [[University of Washington]].{{sfn|Cassutt|2018|p=10}} At the behest of his brother Vince, George applied for [[United States Naval Academy]] in [[Annapolis, Maryland]], and barely passed the entrance examination.{{sfn|Cassutt|2018|p=10}} He received his bachelor's degree in general science there in 1954; and a master's degree in electrical engineering from the [[U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology]] at [[Wright-Patterson Air Force Base]], Ohio, in 1959.<ref name = cassutt1>{{cite journal|last=Cassutt|first =Michael|title=Mr. Inside|journal=[[Air & Space/Smithsonian|Air & Space Magazine]]|publisher=[[Smithsonian Institution]]|location=Washington, D.C.|issue=August 2011|url=http://www.airspacemag.com/space/mr-inside-27623361/?all|accessdate=March 25, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120192948/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/mr-inside-27623361/|archive-date=January 20, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>


==U.S. Air Force and Apollo program==
==U.S. Air Force and Apollo program==
A pilot in the [[U.S. Air Force]], Abbey had more than 4,000 hours in various types of aircraft before being detailed to [[NASA]]. While in the Air Force, he served in the Air Force Research and Development Command and was involved in the early Air Force manned space activities, including the Dyna-Soar Program. Abbey joined NASA in 1964 as an Air Force captain assigned to the [[Apollo program]]. In December 1967 he left the Air Force and was named technical assistant to the Johnson Space Center director.
A pilot in the [[U.S. Air Force]], Abbey had more than 4,000 hours in various types of aircraft before being detailed to [[NASA]]. While in the Air Force, he served in the Air Force Research and Development Command and was involved in the early Air Force manned space activities, including the Dyna-Soar Program. Abbey joined NASA in 1964 as an Air Force captain assigned to the [[Apollo program]]. In December 1967 he left the Air Force and was named technical assistant to the Johnson Space Center director. In January 1976, he was named director of flight operations, where he was responsible for operational planning and for the overall direction and management of flight crew and flight control activities for all human spaceflight missions.{{sfn|Bagby|2023|pp=81–82}}
In January 1976, he was named director of flight operations, where he was responsible for operational planning and for the overall direction and management of flight crew and flight control activities for all human spaceflight missions.{{sfn|Bagby|2023|pp=81-82}}


==Space Shuttle==
==Space Shuttle==
[[File:STS-51-F crew returning from mission (51f-s-162).jpg|thumb|Abbey shaking hands with Astronaut [[C. Gordon Fullerton]], as the crew of [[STS-51-F]] disembark the [[Space Shuttle Challenger]].]]
[[File:STS-51-F crew returning from mission (51f-s-162).jpg|thumb|Abbey shaking hands with Astronaut [[C. Gordon Fullerton]], as the crew of [[STS-51-F]] disembark the [[Space Shuttle Challenger|Space Shuttle ''Challenger'']].]]
⚫
In 1983, he became director of the Flight Crew Operations Directorate, where he continued to be responsible for all [[Space Shuttle]] flight crews and JSC aircraft operations. Abbey would select the crews that flew during the early years of the Space Shuttle.<ref name="Baker">{{cite web|url=https://www.bakerinstitute.org/research/statement-passing-george-ws-abbey-baker-institute-fellow-space-policy-and-former-director|title=Statement on the passing of George W.S. Abbey, Baker Institute fellow in space policy and former director, NASA’s Johnson Space Center|website=Baker Institute for Public Policy|publisher=[[Rice University]]|date=March 25, 2024}}</ref> As director of flight operations, he put America's first woman in space when he assigned [[Sally Ride]] to the crew of 1983's STS-7.<ref name="NASA">{{cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/people/george-w-s-abbey/|title=George W.S. Abbey|website=NASA}}</ref>


⚫
In 1983, he became director of the Flight Crew Operations Directorate, where he continued to be responsible for all [[Space Shuttle]] flight crews and JSC aircraft operations. Abbey would select the crews that flew during the early years of the Space Shuttle.<ref name="Baker">{{cite web|url=https://www.bakerinstitute.org/research/statement-passing-george-ws-abbey-baker-institute-fellow-space-policy-and-former-director|title=Statement on the passing of George W.S. Abbey, Baker Institute fellow in space policy and former director, NASA's Johnson Space Center|website=Baker Institute for Public Policy|publisher=[[Rice University]]|date=March 25, 2024}}</ref> As director of flight operations, he put America's first woman in space when he assigned [[Sally Ride]] to the crew of 1983's STS-7.<ref name="NASA">{{cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/people/george-w-s-abbey/|title=George W.S. Abbey|website=NASA}}</ref>
⚫
Abbey was appointed deputy associate administrator for space flight at [[NASA Headquarters]] in [[Washington, D.C.]], in March 1988. In July 1990, he was selected as deputy for operations and senior NASA representative to the Synthesis Group, charged with defining strategies for returning to the [[Moon]] and landing on [[Mars]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://historycollection.jsc.nasa.gov/JSCHistoryPortal/history/roundups/issues/96-01-26.pdf|title=Goldin names Abbey JSC director|date=January 26, 1996|work=Space News Roundup|publisher=Johnson Space Center}}</ref>


⚫
Abbey was appointed deputy associate administrator for space flight at [[NASA Headquarters]] in Washington, D.C., in March 1988. In July 1990, he was selected as deputy for operations and senior NASA representative to the Synthesis Group, charged with defining strategies for returning to the [[Moon]] and landing on [[Mars]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://historycollection.jsc.nasa.gov/JSCHistoryPortal/history/roundups/issues/96-01-26.pdf|title=Goldin names Abbey JSC director|date=January 26, 1996|work=Space News Roundup|publisher=Johnson Space Center}}</ref>
In July 1991, Abbey was appointed senior director for civil space policy for the [[National Space Council]] in the [[Executive Office of the President]]. President [[George H. W. Bush]] reestablished, by executive order, the National Space Council, led by Vice President [[Dan Quayle]]. Part of its job was to find a direction for America's space initiatives in a time when the nation would no longer be engaged in a technology race with the Soviet Union. The council began to see several unique opportunities for engaging the former Soviet Union in a space station program.{{citation needed|date=March 2024}}

In 1991, Abbey became senior director for civil space policy for the [[National Space Council]], which soon altered the direction for America's space initiatives and began investigating unique opportunities for engaging the former Soviet Union to collaborate in the space program.<ref name="NSS-Obit">{{cite web |title=NSS Mourns the Passing of George Abbey |date=March 28, 2024 |url=https://nss.org/nss-mourns-the-passing-of-george-abbey/ |publisher=[[National Space Society]] |access-date=March 30, 2024 |quote=In 1991, Abbey became the Senior Director for Civil Space Policy for the National Space Council, a NASA advisory group, working under then-Vice President Dan Quayle. Under Abbey's leadership the council began investigating cooperation with Russia in human spaceflight after the fall of the Soviet Union that same year.}}</ref>


==Johnson Space Center director==
==Johnson Space Center director==
In 1992, he was named special assistant to the NASA administrator. In 1994 Abbey was named deputy director of the [[Johnson Space Center]] and was subsequently selected as the JSC director in 1996.{{sfn|Cassutt|2018|p=387}}<ref name="NASA"/>
In 1992, he was named special assistant to the NASA administrator. In 1994 Abbey was named deputy director of the [[Johnson Space Center]] and was subsequently selected as the JSC director in 1996.<ref name="NASA"/>{{sfn|Cassutt|2018|p=387}}


As director of Johnson Space Center until 2001, he served as an integral part of the NASA Shuttle-Mir Program and provided crucial oversight, management, and guidance in the first phase of the [[International Space Station]].<ref name="NASA"/><ref name="Baker"/>
As director of Johnson Space Center until 2001, he served as an integral part of the NASA Shuttle-Mir Program and provided crucial oversight, management, and guidance in the first phase of the [[International Space Station]].<ref name="Baker"/><ref name="NASA"/>


Abbey was opposed to the proposed [[Space Station Freedom]] because of the large cost and impracticality of the station. A small team of administrators and scientists including Abbey, [[John Young (astronaut)|John Young]], [[Thomas P. Stafford]] and [[Max Faget]] were called to devise a cheaper alternative to Freedom. This team proposed a new modular space station in April 1993. He helped later enlist partner nations to share the adventure—and the costs—of implementing those plans for a permanent outpost in Earth orbit.<ref name = cassutt1/>
Abbey was opposed to the proposed [[Space Station Freedom]] because of the large cost and impracticality of the station. A small team of administrators and scientists including Abbey, [[John Young (astronaut)|John Young]], [[Thomas P. Stafford]] and [[Max Faget]] were called to devise a cheaper alternative to Freedom. This team proposed a new modular space station in April 1993. He helped later enlist partner nations to share the adventure—and the costs—of implementing those plans for a permanent outpost in Earth orbit.<ref name = cassutt1/>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Abbey was married to Joyce, and had five children.<ref name="NASA Death Press Release">{{cite press release |last1=Humphries |first1=Kelly |last2=Ramji |first2=Nilufar |title= Press Release No. J24-008: NASA Remembers Former NASA Johnson Director George W. S. Abbey |url=https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-remembers-former-nasa-johnson-director-george-w-s-abbey/ |access-date=March 26, 2024 |work= NASA JSC Public Affairs |publisher=National Aeronautics and Space Administration |date=March 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326022526/https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-remembers-former-nasa-johnson-director-george-w-s-abbey/ |archive-date=March 26, 2024 |location= Houston | url-status = live}}</ref>{{sfn|Bagby|2023|p=99}}
Abbey was married to Joyce Widerman, and had five children.<ref name="NASA Death Press Release">{{cite press release |last1=Humphries |first1=Kelly |last2=Ramji |first2=Nilufar |title= Press Release No. J24-008: NASA Remembers Former NASA Johnson Director George W. S. Abbey |url=https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-remembers-former-nasa-johnson-director-george-w-s-abbey/ |access-date=March 26, 2024 |work= NASA JSC Public Affairs |publisher=National Aeronautics and Space Administration |date=March 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326022526/https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-remembers-former-nasa-johnson-director-george-w-s-abbey/ |archive-date=March 26, 2024 |location= Houston | url-status = live}}</ref>{{sfn|Bagby|2023|p=99}}


Follwing a long illness, Abbey died in Houston, on March 24, 2024, at the age of 91.<ref name= "death source NASAwatch">{{cite web|last=Cowing|first=Keith|title=George Abbey|work=NASAwatch|publisher=SpaceRef|location=Denver|date=March 25, 2024|url=https://nasawatch.com/personnel-news/george-abbey|access-date=March 25, 2024|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20240325170334/https://nasawatch.com/personnel-news/george-abbey/|archive-date=March 25, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>
Following a long illness, Abbey died in Houston, on March 24, 2024, at the age of 91.<ref name= "death source NASAwatch">{{cite web |last=Cowing |first=Keith |title=George Abbey |work=NASAwatch |publisher=SpaceRef |location=Denver |date=March 25, 2024 |url=https://nasawatch.com/personnel-news/george-abbey |access-date=March 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20240325170334/https://nasawatch.com/personnel-news/george-abbey/ |archive-date=March 25, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref>


==Honors==
==Honors==
[[File:GeorgeAbbeyAward.jpg|upright|thumb|2007 George Abbey Special Award]]

In 2002, Abbey was selected as a distinguished alumnus of the [[U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.afit.edu/docs/AFIT%20Foundation%20Alumni%20Award%20Winners_2022.pdf|title=AFIT Distinguished Alumni Award Winners|website=Air Force Institute of Technology}}</ref>
In 2002, Abbey was selected as a distinguished alumnus of the [[U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.afit.edu/docs/AFIT%20Foundation%20Alumni%20Award%20Winners_2022.pdf|title=AFIT Distinguished Alumni Award Winners|website=Air Force Institute of Technology}}</ref>


His honors and awards include the [[NASA Exceptional Service Medal]], the [[NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal]], three [[NASA Distinguished Service Medal]]s and the 1970 [[Presidential Medal of Freedom]], presented by President [[Richard M. Nixon]] for his distinguished civilian service in peacetime.<ref name="RiceU">{{cite web|url=https://news.rice.edu/news/2024/remembering-rice-baker-institutes-george-abbey-father-modern-spaceflight|title=Remembering Rice Baker Institute’s George Abbey, the ‘father of modern spaceflight’|last=Stipes|first=Chris|date=March 26, 2024|website=Rice University News and Media Relations Office of Public Affairs}}</ref>
His honors and awards include the [[NASA Exceptional Service Medal]], the [[NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal]], three [[NASA Distinguished Service Medal]]s and the 1970 [[Presidential Medal of Freedom]], presented by President [[Richard M. Nixon]] for his distinguished civilian service in peacetime.<ref name="RiceU">{{cite web|url=https://news.rice.edu/news/2024/remembering-rice-baker-institutes-george-abbey-father-modern-spaceflight|title=Remembering Rice Baker Institute's George Abbey, the 'father of modern spaceflight'|last=Stipes|first=Chris|date=March 26, 2024|website=Rice University News and Media Relations Office of Public Affairs}}</ref>


Abbey was a Fellow in Space Policy at the [[James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy|Baker Institute]] of [[Rice University]].{{citation needed|date=March 2024}}
Abbey was a senior fellow in space policy at the [[James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy]] of [[Rice University]] from 2002 until his death.<ref name="Baker" />


He was the recipient of the Rotary National Award for Space Achievement's National Space Trophy in 1997.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://rnasa.org/1997files/winner1997.html|title=1997 National Space Trophy Recipient|website=Rotary National Award for Space Achievement|last=Doyson|first=Marianne|date=March 6, 1997|access-date=March 25, 2024|archive-date=July 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190730082612/http://www.rnasa.org/1997files/winner1997.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
He was the recipient of the Rotary National Award for Space Achievement's National Space Trophy in 1997.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://rnasa.org/1997files/winner1997.html|title=1997 National Space Trophy Recipient|website=Rotary National Award for Space Achievement|last=Doyson|first=Marianne|date=March 6, 1997|access-date=March 25, 2024|archive-date=July 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190730082612/http://www.rnasa.org/1997files/winner1997.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
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In 1998, he was awarded the Robert R. Gilruth Award in recognition of his accomplishments and dedication to human spaceflight.<ref name=cassutt1/>
In 1998, he was awarded the Robert R. Gilruth Award in recognition of his accomplishments and dedication to human spaceflight.<ref name=cassutt1/>


In 2007, Abbey presented a special award named after him as part of the [[Sir Arthur Clarke Award]]s.<ref name="The British Interplanetary Society">{{cite web |title=Sir Arthur Clarke Awards |website=The British Interplanetary Society |date=March 14, 2024 |at=2007 – BROHP – Charterhouse School&nbsp;&nbsp;{{!}} April 15, 2007 |url=https://www.bis-space.com/what-we-do/honours-and-awards/arthurs/#sek-tab-title-80c6b4f35a5b |access-date=March 30, 2024}}</ref><ref name="Science Fiction news 2007">{{cite web |title=Autumn 2007 |website=Science Fiction news |date=July 15, 2007 |url=http://www.concatenation.org/news/news9~07.html#sciandsf |at=Interface: Science and Science Fiction |access-date=March 30, 2024}}</ref>
In 2007, a special category was included for the [[Sir Arthur Clarke Award]] which was presented by and named after Abbey.{{citation needed|date=March 2024}}


== Selected publications ==
== Selected publications ==
*{{cite web|title=The U.S.- Russia Space Experience: A Special and Unique Partnership|url=https://www.bakerinstitute.org/sites/default/files/2013-09/import/sp_pub_usrussiaspace_091313_3.pdf|last=Abbey|first=George|publisher=James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy|date=September 13, 2013}}
* {{Cite web |title=The U.S.–Russia Space Experience: A Special and Unique Partnership |url=https://www.bakerinstitute.org/sites/default/files/2013-09/import/sp_pub_usrussiaspace_091313_3.pdf |last=Abbey |first=George |publisher=James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy |date=September 13, 2013}}
*{{cite web|title=Return to Reality: Why a Space Shuttle Program Is Vital to the Survival of the International Space Station|date=October 26, 2011|url=https://docslib.org/doc/5941582/reality-why-a-space-shuttle-program-is-vital-to-the-survival-of-the-international-space-station|last=Abbey|first=George|publisher=James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy}}
* {{Cite web |title=Return to Reality: Why a Space Shuttle Program Is Vital to the Survival of the International Space Station |date=October 26, 2011 |url=https://docslib.org/doc/5941582/reality-why-a-space-shuttle-program-is-vital-to-the-survival-of-the-international-space-station |last=Abbey |first=George |publisher=James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy}}
*{{cite web|title=Restore the Vision|date=July 20, 2011|last=Abbey|first=George|publisher=James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy|url=https://www.bakerinstitute.org/sites/default/files/2013-08/import/SPACE-pub-AbbeySpaceShuttleVision-072011.pdf}}
* {{Cite web |title=Restore the Vision |date=July 20, 2011 |last=Abbey |first=George |publisher=James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy |url=https://www.bakerinstitute.org/sites/default/files/2013-08/import/SPACE-pub-AbbeySpaceShuttleVision-072011.pdf}}
*{{cite book|last1=Abbey|first1=George|last2=Lane|first2=Neal|title=United States Space Policy: Challenges and Opportunities Gone Astray|url=https://media.carnegie.org/filer_public/8e/ce/8eceba57-fec7-4523-b5a4-f41419ef4a30/ccny_grantee_2009_usspace.pdf|publisher=American Academy of Arts and Sciences|isbn=978-0-87724-081-5|date=2009}}
* {{Cite book |last1=Abbey |first1=George |last2=Lane |first2=Neal |title=United States Space Policy: Challenges and Opportunities Gone Astray |url=https://media.carnegie.org/filer_public/8e/ce/8eceba57-fec7-4523-b5a4-f41419ef4a30/ccny_grantee_2009_usspace.pdf |publisher=American Academy of Arts and Sciences |isbn=978-0-87724-081-5 |date=2009}}
*{{cite web|title=Congressional Briefing for United States Space Policy: Challenges and Opportunities Gone Astray|date=Jun 30, 2009|last1=Abbey|first1=George|last2=Lane|first2=Neal|url=https://www.bakerinstitute.org/sites/default/files/2013-08/import/SPACE-pub-AbbeyLaneUsPolicyGoneAstrayHearing-063009.pdf|publisher=James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy}}
* {{Cite web |title=Congressional Briefing for United States Space Policy: Challenges and Opportunities Gone Astray |date=June 30, 2009 |last1=Abbey |first1=George |last2=Lane |first2=Neal |url=https://www.bakerinstitute.org/sites/default/files/2013-08/import/SPACE-pub-AbbeyLaneUsPolicyGoneAstrayHearing-063009.pdf |publisher=James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy}}
*{{cite web|title=Maximizing NASA's Potential in Flight and on the Ground: Recommendations for the Next Administration|date= Jan 20, 2009|url=https://www.bakerinstitute.org/sites/default/files/2013-08/import/SPACE-pub-ObamaTransitionAbbeyLaneMuratore-012009.pdf|last1=Abbey|first1=George|last2=Lane|first2=Neal|last3=Muratore|first3=John|publisher=James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy}}
* {{Cite web |title=Maximizing NASA's Potential in Flight and on the Ground: Recommendations for the Next Administration |date= January 20, 2009 |url=https://www.bakerinstitute.org/sites/default/files/2013-08/import/SPACE-pub-ObamaTransitionAbbeyLaneMuratore-012009.pdf |last1=Abbey |first1=George |last2=Lane |first2=Neal |last3=Muratore |first3=John |publisher=James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy}}
*{{cite web|title=Video Briefing Transcript: Public Policy for the Public - Science and Technology|date= December 5, 2007|publisher=James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy|first1=George|last1=Abbey|last2=Lane|first2=Neal|url=https://www.bakerinstitute.org/sites/default/files/2013-08/import/BI-transcript-PolicyForPublicSciTech-120607.pdf}}
* {{Cite web |title=Video Briefing Transcript: Public Policy for the Public – Science and Technology |date= December 5, 2007 |publisher=James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy |first1=George |last1=Abbey |last2=Lane |first2=Neal |url=https://www.bakerinstitute.org/sites/default/files/2013-08/import/BI-transcript-PolicyForPublicSciTech-120607.pdf}}
*{{cite web|title=Nuclear Nonproliferation: Policy Implications|date= November 2, 2007|last1=Abbey|first1=George|last2=Lane|first2=Neal|url=https://repository.rice.edu/server/enwiki/api/core/bitstreams/083ec588-716b-4e28-b323-6e65ccc2de8c/content|publisher=James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy}}
* {{Cite web |title=Nuclear Nonproliferation: Policy Implications |date= November 2, 2007 |last1=Abbey |first1=George |last2=Lane |first2=Neal |url=https://repository.rice.edu/server/enwiki/api/core/bitstreams/083ec588-716b-4e28-b323-6e65ccc2de8c/content |publisher=James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy}}
*{{cite book|url=https://www.bakerinstitute.org/sites/default/files/2013-08/import/wp_aaas_spacePolicy.pdf|title=United States Space Policy: Challenges and Opportunities|last1=Abbey|first1=George|last2=Lane|first2=Neal|date=August 31, 2005|publisher=American Academy of Arts and Sciences|isbn=0-87724-049-3}}
* {{Cite book |url=https://www.bakerinstitute.org/sites/default/files/2013-08/import/wp_aaas_spacePolicy.pdf |title=United States Space Policy: Challenges and Opportunities |last1=Abbey |first1=George |last2=Lane |first2=Neal |date=August 31, 2005 |publisher=American Academy of Arts and Sciences |isbn=0-87724-049-3}}


==References==
==References==
Line 77: Line 78:


==Sources==
==Sources==
*{{cite book|title=The New Guys: The Historic Class of Astronauts that Broke Barriers and Changed the face of Space Travel|last=Bagby|first=Meredith|year=2023|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=D4pYEAAAQBAJ|location=New York, New York|publisher=HarperCollins|isbn=978-0-06-314197-1}}
* {{Cite book |title=The New Guys: The Historic Class of Astronauts that Broke Barriers and Changed the face of Space Travel |last=Bagby |first=Meredith |year=2023 |url={{GBurl|id=D4pYEAAAQBAJ}} |location=New York |publisher=HarperCollins |isbn=978-0-06-314197-1 |oclc=1369174609}}
*{{cite book|title=The Astronaut Maker: How One Mysterious Engineer Ran Human Spaceflight for a Generation|last=Cassutt|first=Michael|year=2018|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wtI2DwAAQBAJ|location=Chicago, Illinois|publisher=Chicago Review Press|isbn=978-1-61373-700-2}}}}
* {{Cite book |title=The Astronaut Maker: How One Mysterious Engineer Ran Human Spaceflight for a Generation |last=Cassutt |first=Michael |year=2018 |url={{GBurl|id=wtI2DwAAQBAJ}} |location=Chicago |publisher=Chicago Review Press |isbn=978-1-61373-700-2 |oclc=1019840642}}


==Further reading==
==Further reading==
*{{cite web |last1=McCrum |first1=Kirstie |title=Flying high: The career path that sent George Abbey soaring from his maternal home in Laugharne to Nasa |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/george-abbey-nasa-speak-faraday-2991545 |website=WalesOnline |accessdate=24 August 2020 |date=22 April 2013}}
* {{cite web |last1=McCrum |first1=Kirstie |title=Flying high: The career path that sent George Abbey soaring from his maternal home in Laugharne to Nasa |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/george-abbey-nasa-speak-faraday-2991545 |website=WalesOnline |accessdate=August 24, 2020 |date=April 22, 2013}}
*[https://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/20040200966_2004207500.pdf "Johnson Space Center Research and Technology Annual Report" (2004) NASA Technical Report Server]
* [https://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/20040200966_2004207500.pdf "Johnson Space Center Research and Technology Annual Report" (2004) NASA Technical Report Server]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20090620082335/http://www.space.com/missionlaunches/missions/george_abbey_010226.html Chaikin, Andrew "George Abbey: NASA"s Most Controversial Figure" (2001), ''Space Illustrated'']
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090620082335/http://www.space.com/missionlaunches/missions/george_abbey_010226.html Chaikin, Andrew "George Abbey: NASA"s Most Controversial Figure" (2001), ''Space Illustrated'']


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{Commons category}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110724145755/http://www.space.co.uk/DataBank/VideoGallery/VideoPlayer/tabid/384/VideoId/33/Test-Pilot-Discussion.aspx Former BBC space correspondent Reg Turnill interviews Abbey in 2008]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110724145755/http://www.space.co.uk/DataBank/VideoGallery/VideoPlayer/tabid/384/VideoId/33/Test-Pilot-Discussion.aspx Former BBC space correspondent Reg Turnill interviews Abbey in 2008]
*[https://digitalcollections.museumofflight.org/items/show/45824 George Abbey oral history interview] at The Museum of Flight Digital Collections
* [https://digitalcollections.museumofflight.org/items/show/45824 George Abbey oral history interview] at The Museum of Flight Digital Collections
*[http://history.nasa.gov NASA History Program Office]
* [http://history.nasa.gov NASA History Program Office]



{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}
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[[Category:20th-century American military personnel]]
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[[Category:Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients]]
[[Category:Air Force Institute of Technology alumni]]
[[Category:Air Force Institute of Technology alumni]]
[[Category:American people of English descent]]
[[Category:American people of English descent]]
[[Category:20th-century American engineers]]
[[Category:Engineers from Seattle]]
[[Category:Military personnel from Seattle]]
[[Category:NASA people]]
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[[Category:Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients]]
[[Category:United States Air Force airmen]]
[[Category:United States Naval Academy alumni]]
[[Category:United States Naval Academy alumni]]

Latest revision as of 13:51, 15 October 2024

George Abbey
Black and white photograph of a middle-aged man with brush-cut hair, wearing a dark-colored suitcoat and necktie, and a white dress shirt
George Abbey
Born(1932-08-21)August 21, 1932
Seattle, Washington, U.S.
DiedMarch 24, 2024(2024-03-24) (aged 91)
Houston, Texas, U.S.
Occupations
  • NASA Administrator
  • United States Air Force pilot
Known forDirector of the Johnson Space Center
Spouse
Joyce Widerman
​
​
(m. 1955; div. 1980)​
Children5

George William Samuel Abbey (August 21, 1932 – March 24, 2024) was an American NASA administrator and United States Air Force pilot. Graduating from the Air Force Institute of Technology as an electrical engineer, he then served in the United States Air Force and the Apollo program. He subsequently became director of flight crews for the Space Shuttle, then director of the Johnson Space Center. Honors include the NASA Exceptional Service Medal, the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal, three NASA Distinguished Service Medals and the 1970 Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Early life and education

[edit]

Abbey was born in Seattle, on August 21, 1932, the fourth child of Sam and Brenta Abbey. His father was born in London, emigrated to Canada, then served in World War I. Settling briefly in Laugharne, Wales, the couple moved to Canada, then settled in Seattle.[1][2][3]

Although his father was an agnostic, Abbey was raised in his mother's Presbyterian faith and frequently attended Lutheran church services during his high school years to be with his Scandinavian friends.[4] Abbey attended Lincoln High School in Seattle and graduated in 1950. After he graduated, he joined Naval Reserve Officers' Training Corps (NROTC) at the University of Washington.[5] At the behest of his brother Vince, George applied for United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, and barely passed the entrance examination.[5] He received his bachelor's degree in general science there in 1954; and a master's degree in electrical engineering from the U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, in 1959.[6]

U.S. Air Force and Apollo program

[edit]

A pilot in the U.S. Air Force, Abbey had more than 4,000 hours in various types of aircraft before being detailed to NASA. While in the Air Force, he served in the Air Force Research and Development Command and was involved in the early Air Force manned space activities, including the Dyna-Soar Program. Abbey joined NASA in 1964 as an Air Force captain assigned to the Apollo program. In December 1967 he left the Air Force and was named technical assistant to the Johnson Space Center director. In January 1976, he was named director of flight operations, where he was responsible for operational planning and for the overall direction and management of flight crew and flight control activities for all human spaceflight missions.[7]

Space Shuttle

[edit]
Abbey shaking hands with Astronaut C. Gordon Fullerton, as the crew of STS-51-F disembark the Space Shuttle Challenger.

In 1983, he became director of the Flight Crew Operations Directorate, where he continued to be responsible for all Space Shuttle flight crews and JSC aircraft operations. Abbey would select the crews that flew during the early years of the Space Shuttle.[8] As director of flight operations, he put America's first woman in space when he assigned Sally Ride to the crew of 1983's STS-7.[9]

Abbey was appointed deputy associate administrator for space flight at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C., in March 1988. In July 1990, he was selected as deputy for operations and senior NASA representative to the Synthesis Group, charged with defining strategies for returning to the Moon and landing on Mars.[10]

In 1991, Abbey became senior director for civil space policy for the National Space Council, which soon altered the direction for America's space initiatives and began investigating unique opportunities for engaging the former Soviet Union to collaborate in the space program.[11]

Johnson Space Center director

[edit]

In 1992, he was named special assistant to the NASA administrator. In 1994 Abbey was named deputy director of the Johnson Space Center and was subsequently selected as the JSC director in 1996.[9][12]

As director of Johnson Space Center until 2001, he served as an integral part of the NASA Shuttle-Mir Program and provided crucial oversight, management, and guidance in the first phase of the International Space Station.[8][9]

Abbey was opposed to the proposed Space Station Freedom because of the large cost and impracticality of the station. A small team of administrators and scientists including Abbey, John Young, Thomas P. Stafford and Max Faget were called to devise a cheaper alternative to Freedom. This team proposed a new modular space station in April 1993. He helped later enlist partner nations to share the adventure—and the costs—of implementing those plans for a permanent outpost in Earth orbit.[6]

Personal life

[edit]

Abbey was married to Joyce Widerman, and had five children.[13][14]

Following a long illness, Abbey died in Houston, on March 24, 2024, at the age of 91.[15]

Honors

[edit]
2007 George Abbey Special Award

In 2002, Abbey was selected as a distinguished alumnus of the U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology.[16]

His honors and awards include the NASA Exceptional Service Medal, the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal, three NASA Distinguished Service Medals and the 1970 Presidential Medal of Freedom, presented by President Richard M. Nixon for his distinguished civilian service in peacetime.[17]

Abbey was a senior fellow in space policy at the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy of Rice University from 2002 until his death.[8]

He was the recipient of the Rotary National Award for Space Achievement's National Space Trophy in 1997.[18]

In 1998, he was awarded the Robert R. Gilruth Award in recognition of his accomplishments and dedication to human spaceflight.[6]

In 2007, Abbey presented a special award named after him as part of the Sir Arthur Clarke Awards.[19][20]

Selected publications

[edit]
  • Abbey, George (September 13, 2013). "The U.S.–Russia Space Experience: A Special and Unique Partnership" (PDF). James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy.
  • Abbey, George (October 26, 2011). "Return to Reality: Why a Space Shuttle Program Is Vital to the Survival of the International Space Station". James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy.
  • Abbey, George (July 20, 2011). "Restore the Vision" (PDF). James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy.
  • Abbey, George; Lane, Neal (2009). United States Space Policy: Challenges and Opportunities Gone Astray (PDF). American Academy of Arts and Sciences. ISBN 978-0-87724-081-5.
  • Abbey, George; Lane, Neal (June 30, 2009). "Congressional Briefing for United States Space Policy: Challenges and Opportunities Gone Astray" (PDF). James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy.
  • Abbey, George; Lane, Neal; Muratore, John (January 20, 2009). "Maximizing NASA's Potential in Flight and on the Ground: Recommendations for the Next Administration" (PDF). James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy.
  • Abbey, George; Lane, Neal (December 5, 2007). "Video Briefing Transcript: Public Policy for the Public – Science and Technology" (PDF). James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy.
  • Abbey, George; Lane, Neal (November 2, 2007). "Nuclear Nonproliferation: Policy Implications". James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy.
  • Abbey, George; Lane, Neal (August 31, 2005). United States Space Policy: Challenges and Opportunities (PDF). American Academy of Arts and Sciences. ISBN 0-87724-049-3.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Ryall, Gemma (April 25, 2013). "The man who sent Dylan Thomas into space". BBC News. London: British Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on December 14, 2017. Retrieved March 25, 2024.
  2. ^ McCrum, Kirstie (April 22, 2013). "Flying high: The career path that sent George Abbey soaring from his maternal home in Laugharne to Nasa". Wales Online. Retrieved March 30, 2024. His mother, Bridget Gibby, came from Laugharne in Carmarthenshire; she was working in London when she met George's father, Sam Abbey, and the couple married before moving to Seattle, where George was born on August 21, 1932.
  3. ^ Cassutt 2018, p. 7.
  4. ^ Cassutt 2018, pp. 7–8.
  5. ^ a b Cassutt 2018, p. 10.
  6. ^ a b c Cassutt, Michael. "Mr. Inside". Air & Space Magazine (August 2011). Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution. Archived from the original on January 20, 2022. Retrieved March 25, 2024.
  7. ^ Bagby 2023, pp. 81–82.
  8. ^ a b c "Statement on the passing of George W.S. Abbey, Baker Institute fellow in space policy and former director, NASA's Johnson Space Center". Baker Institute for Public Policy. Rice University. March 25, 2024.
  9. ^ a b c "George W.S. Abbey". NASA.
  10. ^ "Goldin names Abbey JSC director" (PDF). Space News Roundup. Johnson Space Center. January 26, 1996.
  11. ^ "NSS Mourns the Passing of George Abbey". National Space Society. March 28, 2024. Retrieved March 30, 2024. In 1991, Abbey became the Senior Director for Civil Space Policy for the National Space Council, a NASA advisory group, working under then-Vice President Dan Quayle. Under Abbey's leadership the council began investigating cooperation with Russia in human spaceflight after the fall of the Soviet Union that same year.
  12. ^ Cassutt 2018, p. 387.
  13. ^ Humphries, Kelly; Ramji, Nilufar (March 25, 2024). "Press Release No. J24-008: NASA Remembers Former NASA Johnson Director George W. S. Abbey". NASA JSC Public Affairs (Press release). Houston: National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Archived from the original on March 26, 2024. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
  14. ^ Bagby 2023, p. 99.
  15. ^ Cowing, Keith (March 25, 2024). "George Abbey". NASAwatch. Denver: SpaceRef. Archived from the original on March 25, 2024. Retrieved March 25, 2024.
  16. ^ "AFIT Distinguished Alumni Award Winners" (PDF). Air Force Institute of Technology.
  17. ^ Stipes, Chris (March 26, 2024). "Remembering Rice Baker Institute's George Abbey, the 'father of modern spaceflight'". Rice University News and Media Relations Office of Public Affairs.
  18. ^ Doyson, Marianne (March 6, 1997). "1997 National Space Trophy Recipient". Rotary National Award for Space Achievement. Archived from the original on July 30, 2019. Retrieved March 25, 2024.
  19. ^ "Sir Arthur Clarke Awards". The British Interplanetary Society. March 14, 2024. 2007 – BROHP – Charterhouse School  | April 15, 2007. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
  20. ^ "Autumn 2007". Science Fiction news. July 15, 2007. Interface: Science and Science Fiction. Retrieved March 30, 2024.

Sources

[edit]

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to George Abbey.
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