Sunday, November 27, 2011

Shuttle Launch Director To Depart NASA

The steady hand who led NASA's shuttle launch team through the assembly of the International Space Station, the recovery from the 2003 Columbia accident and the retirement of the shuttle fleet is departing the nation's space agency this week after almost three decades of service.

Veteran Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach will be joining "a major aerospace company," taking a job that will keep he and his wife, Charlotte, on Florida's Space Coast. They reside in Scottsmoor.

"Our roots here are very deep, and we look forward to continuing our friendships and activities in the area. Our paths WILL cross again. Of that I'm certain," Leinbach said Sunday in an e-mail to friends and colleagues.

His last day with NASA will be Wednesday.

"I have been blessed to be so fortunate in my career, but it's time to move on," Leinbach wrote. "Being part of America's space flight program was a dream of mine from a very early age. Trust me, I know how lucky I've been."

After 27 years with NASA, Leinbach signed off much in the same way he eloquently sent U.S. astronaut crews into orbit:

"Good Luck, and Godspeed."

And to Mike, and Charlotte, from all of us: "Have a little fun out there."

7 comments:

Dr. Dan Woodard said...

Mike was a capable, meticulous, and enthusiastic leader.

stevehansell said...

I wish Mike and his family the very best. I hope to once again cross paths with him in the future.

J. said...

Good Luck in your 'RETIREMENT'

America seems to have known you personally through the years in the press conferences on NASA TV..

You stood for all your colleagues @ KSC.. Glad you'll be 'close-by (Never know when there might be a rocket to launch somewhere)

Sad Day AMERICA!!

Godspeed Job WELL-DONE!!!

From a Thankful AMERICAN!!!

JM WEST
Southington CT

Mark Lopa said...

This is a sad day for NASA. Mike leaves large shoes to fill. Whichever company is landing him is receiving a major blessing. They don't get much better than him.

tpickett said...

I was always watching a true professional when he was in the firing room. He will be missed by all Americans.
Best of luck Mike.

Timothy Gallagher said...

Mike and Bob Seick were great launch directors who did alot for me durning the shuttle program he is a wonderful personjust like bob seick

Timothy Gallagher said...

Mike and Bob Seick were great launch directors who did alot for me durning the shuttle program he is a wonderful personjust like bob seick