Frederick D. Gregory was selected as an astronaut in January 1978. His technical assignments included: Astronaut Office representative at the Kennedy Space Center during initial Orbiter checkout and launch support for STS-1 and STS-2; Flight Data File Manager; lead spacecraft communicator (CAPCOM); Chief, Operational Safety, NASA Headquarters, Washington, D.C.; Chief, Astronaut Training; and a member of the Orbiter Configuration Control Board and the Space Shuttle Program Control Board.
| Acting Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration | |
|---|---|
| In office February 11, 2005 – April 14, 2005 |
|
| President | George W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Sean O'Keefe |
| Succeeded by | Michael D. Griffin |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Frederick Drew Gregory January 7, 1941 (age 78) Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | USAFA, B.S. 1964 GWU, M.S. 1977 |
| Status | Retired |
| Occupation | Test pilot |
| Space career | |
| NASA Astronaut | |
| Rank |  Colonel, USAF |
|
Time in space |
18d 23h 04m |
| Selection | 1978 NASA Group 8 |
| Missions | STS-51-B, STS-33, STS-44 |
|
Mission insignia |
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Black pioneers extend across professions and around the globe - and in Frederick Gregory's case, beyond Earth's atmosphere. The D.C. native’s journey to the stars began in childhood, with experiences that served as a launch pad toward a historic achievement — becoming the first African-American to pilot a space shuttle mission.
Bachelor of science from the USAF Academy, 1964; master of science in information systems from George Washington University, 1977; Colonel, USAF, Ret.; test pilot; he flew 550 combat missions in Vietnam; hobbies: Water skiing, fishing, hunting, specialty cars, stereo equipmen.
Gregory served at NASA Headquarters as Associate Administrator for the Office of Safety and Mission Assurance (1992–2001), and was Associate Administrator for the Office of Space Flight (2001–2002). On August 12, 2002 Mr. Gregory was sworn in as NASA Deputy Administrator. In that role, he was responsible to the Administrator for providing overall leadership, planning, and policy direction for the Agency. The Deputy Administrator performs the duties and exercises the powers delegated by the Administrator, assists the Administrator in making final Agency decisions, and acts for the Administrator in his or her absence by performing all necessary functions to govern NASA operations and exercise the powers vested in the Agency by law. The Deputy Administrator articulates the Agency's vision and represents NASA to the Executive Office of the President, Congress, heads of Federal and other appropriate Government agencies, international organizations, and external organizations and communities. From the departure of Sean O'Keefe on February 20, 2005, to the swearing in of Michael D. Griffin on April 14, 2005, he was the NASA Acting Administrator. He returned to the post of Deputy Administrator and on September 9, 2005, submitted his resignation. He was replaced on November 29, 2005 by Shana Dale.