Frederick D. Gregory, American colonel, pilot, and astronaut

Frederick Drew Gregory, born on January 7, 1941, is an eminent American figure whose distinguished career spans military service, advanced engineering, and pioneering leadership within the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). His remarkable journey includes roles as a highly decorated United States Air Force pilot, a skilled military engineer, an expert test pilot, and a trailblazing NASA astronaut. Beyond his operational duties, Gregory ascended to significant leadership positions within NASA, serving as its former Deputy Administrator and briefly as the Acting Administrator during a crucial transitional period.

A Distinguished Military and Engineering Career

Before his remarkable contributions to space exploration, Frederick D. Gregory established an impressive foundation in the United States Air Force. A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, he honed his skills as a combat pilot, accumulating over 5,000 hours of flight time in more than 50 different types of aircraft, including combat missions during the Vietnam War flying the F-102 Delta Dagger. His commitment to excellence extended to his academic pursuits; he earned a Master of Science degree in Information Systems from George Washington University, showcasing his expertise as a military engineer. Gregory further distinguished himself as a test pilot, having graduated from the prestigious USAF Test Pilot School, where he was instrumental in evaluating new aircraft technologies and ensuring their operational readiness.

Pioneering Contributions as a NASA Astronaut

Frederick Gregory’s selection into NASA’s eighth astronaut class in 1978 marked the beginning of his impactful career in space. As an astronaut, he participated in three Space Shuttle missions, accumulating over 400 hours in space. His missions include:

• STS-51B (Challenger, 1985): Serving as the pilot for this Spacelab-3 mission, Gregory played a crucial role in scientific research conducted in orbit.
• STS-33 (Discovery, 1989): He again served as pilot for this dedicated Department of Defense mission.
• STS-44 (Atlantis, 1991): A historic mission where Gregory made history as the first African American to command a space mission, overseeing a complex Department of Defense payload deployment.

His command of STS-44 underscored his exceptional leadership and technical prowess, breaking barriers and inspiring future generations.

Leadership at the Pinnacle of NASA

Following his distinguished astronaut career, Frederick Gregory transitioned into pivotal leadership roles at NASA. From August 2002 to February 2005, he served as NASA Deputy Administrator, the agency’s second-highest position. In this capacity, he played a critical role in guiding NASA’s strategic direction, overseeing its various programs, and advocating for its mission in space exploration and scientific discovery. His tenure as Deputy Administrator was marked by his dedication to advancing NASA's goals and ensuring its operational efficiency.

Gregory also briefly assumed the critical responsibility of NASA Acting Administrator in early 2005. This interim role, which spanned from the departure of Administrator Sean O'Keefe to the swearing-in of Michael Griffin, showcased his steady leadership during a period of transition for the agency. His ability to maintain continuity and provide stable governance during this crucial time demonstrated his deep commitment to NASA's mission and its workforce.

Frequently Asked Questions About Frederick Drew Gregory

Who is Frederick Drew Gregory?

Frederick Drew Gregory is a highly accomplished former United States Air Force pilot, military engineer, test pilot, and NASA astronaut who also held significant leadership roles as NASA Deputy Administrator and briefly as Acting Administrator.

What was Frederick Gregory's most significant achievement as an astronaut?

A monumental achievement in Frederick Gregory's astronaut career was becoming the first African American to command a space mission, specifically STS-44 aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis in 1991.

When did Frederick Gregory serve as NASA Deputy Administrator?

Frederick Gregory served as NASA Deputy Administrator from August 2002 to February 2005, holding the second-highest position within the agency.

Why did Frederick Gregory serve as NASA Acting Administrator?

He served as NASA Acting Administrator briefly in early 2005 to ensure continuity of leadership between the departure of Administrator Sean O'Keefe and the arrival of the new Administrator, Michael Griffin.