Astronaut Mike McCulley: ASM Interview on YouTube

To watch on YouTube, visit our “Space Worker Oral Histories“ and look for Mike McCulley: Astronaut, Pilot, U.S. NAVY, Shuttle Program Executive.

On Sept 3rd, 2020 American Space Museum interviewed astronaut, naval aviator, and space program executive Michael J. “Mike” McCulley. Mike shares his life of flying, spaceflight, and managing the Space Shuttle as a well-respected executive. In addition to his time in space as Space Shuttle pilot for STS-34, McCulley has flown over 50 aircraft types, logging over 5,000 flying hours, and has nearly 400 carrier landings from six aircraft carriers. Don’t miss Mike’s discussion of management style, teamwork, and “micro-learning”.

Moderated by Mark Marquette, this interview is part of our museum’s “Stay Curious” series and our “Space Worker Oral Histories” project.

SPECIAL HONORS…
McCulley was awarded the NASA Space Flight Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Good Conduct Medal, Sea Service Ribbon, National Defense Medal, Small Arms Expert Ribbon, and the Battle “E” Ribbon. Mike is also an Eagle Scout.

U.S. NAVY and PURDUE…
After high school graduation in 1961, McCulley enlisted in the U.S. Navy and subsequently served on one diesel powered and two nuclear powered submarines. In 1965 he entered Purdue University. In 1970, he received his Naval Officers commission as well as bachelor of science and master of science degrees in Metallurgical Engineering.

Following flight training, McCulley served tours of duty in A-4 and A-6 aircraft, and was selected to attend the Empire Test Pilots School in Great Britain. He served in a variety of test pilot billets at the Naval Air Test Center, Patuxent River, Maryland, before returning to sea duty on USS SARATOGA and USS NIMITZ.

NASA ASTRONAUT…
Selected by NASA in May 1984, McCulley was the astronaut pilot on STS-34 in 1989, logging more than 119 hours in space.

SPACE PROGRAM EXECUTIVE…
In October 1990, following his retirement from NASA and the Navy, McCulley was employed by Lockheed Martin Space Operations and served as Vice President and Deputy Launch Site Director for the Kennedy Space Center. He was promoted to Director in November 1995.

McCulley next served as Vice President and Associate Program Manager for USA’s (United Space Alliance) Ground Operations at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Named to this position on June 1, 1996, he was responsible for directing the integration of all processing activities associated with America’s Space Shuttle program to ensure safe and successful fulfillment of all company contractual commitments to NASA.

In November 1999, McCulley was named Chief Operating Officer (COO) of United Space Alliance (USA). In this role he had primary responsibility for the day-to-day operations and overall management of USA, the Prime Contractor for the Space Shuttle program. Prior to being named COO, McCulley was Vice President and Deputy Program Manager for the Space Flight Operations Contract (SFOC), where he assisted USA’s Vice President and Program Manager in the management of the Space Shuttle program.

On May 15, 2003, McCulley was named President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of United Space Alliance and was ultimately responsible for the direction, development and operations of the company.

On September 28, 2007, McCulley retired from his position as CEO of United Space Alliance.