Oral History with Stephen G. Jurczyk, 1962 – 2023
Science & Technology

Oral History with Stephen G. Jurczyk, 1962 – 2023

NASA Space Technology NASA Acting Administrator Stephen G. JurczykCredits: NASASandra L. JohnsonNov 07, 2024Steve Jurczyk’s NASA career began in 1988 at Langley Research Center as an engineer in the Electronic Systems Branch. During his time at Langley, he served in other roles, including director of engineering and director of research and technology.  Jurczyk was named as director of Langley in 2014, then in 2015 he left Langley to serve as the associate administrator for the Space Technology Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters.  He quickly rose to the rank of associate administrator in 2018, and in January 2021 was named the agency’s acting administratorNASA Oral History, September 22, 1921NASA Honors Steve JurczykThe transcripts available on this site are created from audio-recorded oral history interviews. To preserve the integrity of the audio record, the transcripts are presented...
Continue reading
Oral History with Mary L. Cleave, 1947 – 2023
Science & Technology

Oral History with Mary L. Cleave, 1947 – 2023

NASA Space Technology 61B-21-008 (26 Nov-1 Dec 1985) ---The STS 61-B crew on the flight deck of the earth-orbiting Atlantis. Left to right, back row, are astronauts Jerry L. Ross, Brewster Shaw Jr., Mary L. Cleave, and Bryan D. O'Connor; and payload specialist Rodolfo Neri. Front row, left to right, payload specialist Charles D. Walker and astronaut Sherwood C. Spring.Sandra L. JohnsonNov 07, 2024A veteran of two space flights, Dr. Cleave served as a mission specialist on STS-61B and STS-30.  She went on to join NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center and worked in the Laboratory for Hydrospheric Processes as the Project Manager for SeaWiFS, an ocean color sensor which is monitoring vegetation globally.  Dr. Cleave next served as Deputy Associate Administrator, Office of Earth Science, NASA Headquarters, until her retirement in 2007.NASA Oral History,...
Continue reading
Oral History with Jon A. McBride, 1943 – 2024
Science & Technology

Oral History with Jon A. McBride, 1943 – 2024

NASA Space Technology Jon A. McBride with the IMAX large format camera in the middeck during the STS-41G mission.Credits: NASASandra L. JohnsonNov 07, 2024Selected as an astronaut in 1978, Jon A. McBride served as the pilot for STS 41-G, launched October 5, 1984, the first shuttle mission to carry a full crew of seven. His other NASA assignments included lead chase pilot for the maiden voyage of Columbia and CAPCOM for three early shuttle flights.Jon A. McBride Oral History, 4/17/12NASA BiographyMore NASA Oral HistoriesThe transcripts available on this site are created from audio-recorded oral history interviews. To preserve the integrity of the audio record, the transcripts are presented with limited revisions and thus reflect the candid conversational style of the oral history format. Brackets and ellipses indicate where the text has been annotated or...
Continue reading
Unearthing History: 4,000-Year-Old Oasis Town Discovered in Saudi Arabia
Lifestyle

Unearthing History: 4,000-Year-Old Oasis Town Discovered in Saudi Arabia

Lifestyle Archaeologists have discovered the remains of an ancient town hidden underneath the walled oasis of Khaybar in Saudia ArabiaArchaeologists have unveiled the remnants of a 4,000-year-old fortified town, Al-Natah, nestled within the Khaybar oasis in northwest Saudi Arabia. This discovery provides valuable insights into ancient life, revealing a shift from nomadic lifestyles to early forms of urban settlement in the region.Aerial view of the walled settlement.A Glimpse into the PastAround 2400 BC, during the early Bronze Age, the town had about 500 residents before its mysterious abandonment around 1400 BC. Observations from the air exposed pathways and housing foundations, revealing a walled layout spanning 2.6 hectares. The layout contained approximately 50 houses, suggesting a structured community within the town’s fortified boundaries. Researchers found that Al-Natah’s compact structure marked a transition between nomadic and...
Continue reading