Astronauts leave NASA in wake of shuttle retirement

William Atkins
Thursday, 06 January 2011 01:03

Science - Space

With NASA running out of space shuttle missions, there is a much reduced need for active astronauts at the Johnson Space Center. Consequently, many are leaving the U.S. space agency for other employment or retirement.

 

The latest astronaut to leave NASA is U.S. astronaut Marsha Ivins, who is a veteran of five spaceflights.

She is the fourth astronaut to leave NASA over the past four or so months.

In the January 3, 2011 NASA News Release 'Astronaut Marsha Ivins Leaves NASA' it is said by Peggy Whitson, who is the chief of the Astronaut office, "Marsha's incredible depth of mission experience and technical expertise has been a tremendous asset to this office."

Whitson adds, 'We have relied on her expertise for years in many diverse areas, including but not limited to crew provisions, optimal hardware packing, human ratings development, vehicle habitability and orbiter preflight vehicle checks. Her expertise and dedication to NASA's mission will be sorely missed."

Additional announcements of astronaut retirements occurred in the December 10, 2010 NASA press release 'Astronaut Alan Poindexter Leaves NASA."

It was stated that 'Veteran NASA astronaut Alan Poindexter has left the agency to return to the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif. Poindexter, a U.S. Navy captain, earned a Master of Science degree in aeronautical engineering from the school in 1995. He will return to serve as the dean of students and executive director of programs.'

And, in August 31, 2010, two astronauts left NASA. In the NASA news release 'Astronauts Linda Godwin and Scott Altman Leave NASA' it is said, 'NASA astronauts Linda Godwin and Scott Altman have announced plans to leave the agency. Godwin will retire and Altman will take a job in the private sector.'

Brent Jett, director of Flight Crew Operations at the Johnson Space Center stated, "Linda's 30-year career at NASA was filled with contributions to the human spaceflight mission. She should be proud of her service to the agency and the country."

And, of Altman, Peggy Whitson stated, "Scott has been a tremendous contribution to the astronaut corps and this agency. In his 15 years with NASA, he has performed flawlessly and demonstrated leadership in every position he's served. He will be greatly missed."

Page two continues.