James R. Thompson Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James R. Thompson Jr.
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Official NASA portrait of James R. Thompson Jr.
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| Born | March 6, 1936 |
| Died | November 7, 2017 (aged 81) Huntsville, Alabama, U.S.
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| Education | Bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology, Master's degree in mechanical engineering at University of Florida, post-graduate work in fluid mechanics at University of Alabama |
| Occupation | Director of the Marshall Space Flight Center |
James Robert Thompson Jr. (born March 6, 1936 – died November 7, 2017) was an important person at NASA. People often called him J.R. Thompson. He was the fifth director of the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. He led this center from 1986 to 1989. Later, he became NASA's deputy director, helping to lead the entire space agency from 1989 to 1991.
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Early Life and Education
J.R. Thompson was born in Greenville, South Carolina, in 1936. He finished high school in Atlanta in 1954. He went on to earn two college degrees. In 1958, he got a degree in aeronautical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. This field is about designing and building aircraft and spacecraft.
He then earned a master's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Florida in 1963. He also studied fluid mechanics at the University of Alabama.
Thompson's Career at NASA
Mr. Thompson started his career serving in the U.S. Navy from 1958 to 1960. After that, he worked as an engineer for a company called Pratt and Whitney Aircraft.
In 1963, Mr. Thompson joined NASA at the Marshall Space Flight Center. He worked on many important projects there for 20 years. He helped design and test parts for rockets.
One of his first jobs was working on the J-2 engine system for the Saturn rockets. These rockets were used for the Apollo missions to the Moon. He later became the chief of the Space Engine Section.
Leading Space Shuttle Engine Development
In 1974, Thompson became the manager for the Main Engine Projects Office. In this role, he was in charge of developing the Space Shuttle Main Engine. This was a very advanced rocket engine. He oversaw its development from early tests through the first Space Shuttle flights.
Investigating the Challenger Accident
From March to June 1986, Thompson played a key role in finding out why the Space Shuttle Challenger accident happened. He helped lead the team that collected and studied information about the accident. This work supported the official investigation.
Director of Marshall Space Flight Center
On September 29, 1986, Thompson became the director of the Marshall Space Flight Center. This was a very important leadership position at NASA. He then became the deputy administrator for all of NASA in 1989.
Life After NASA
After leaving NASA in 1991, Thompson joined a company called Orbital Sciences Corporation. This company builds rockets and spacecraft. He held several high-level positions there, including president and chief operating officer. He retired from Orbital in 2013.
Awards and Honors
Thompson received many awards for his work at NASA.
- In 1973, he got the NASA Medal for Exceptional Service for his work on Skylab.
- He received the NASA Medal for Distinguished Service twice. Once in 1981 for his work on the Space Shuttle main engine. And again in 1988 for his efforts after the Challenger accident.
- President Ronald Reagan honored him twice for his excellent government service.
- He was part of the team that helped NASA return to space after the Challenger accident. This team won the Dr. Robert H. Goddard Memorial Trophy in 1989.
Legacy and Memorial
J.R. Thompson passed away on November 7, 2017, in Huntsville, Alabama.
In 2018, a spacecraft was named in his honor. The Cygnus spacecraft, which carries supplies to the International Space Station, was named the S.S. J.R. Thompson. This spacecraft successfully launched on May 21, 2018. It docked with the International Space Station a few days later, continuing his legacy in space exploration.
