On February 15, 2017, Acting NASA Administrator Robert M. Lightfoot Jr. issued a memo to agency employees, providing updates on NASA's ongoing initiatives and future directions. This communication addressed several key areas, including the agency's collaboration with the presidential transition team, the status of the Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion programs, and considerations for the first crewed flight of the SLS and Orion missions. The memo also emphasized the importance of industry partnerships and the agency's commitment to advancing space exploration. This article examines the context and implications of Lightfoot's memo, highlighting its significance in the broader landscape of NASA's activities during that period.

Background: Robert M. Lightfoot Jr.'s Role at NASA

Robert M. Lightfoot Jr. served as NASA's Acting Administrator from January 20, 2017, to April 23, 2018. Prior to this role, he was the agency's Associate Administrator, the highest-ranking civil servant, from September 25, 2012. Lightfoot's tenure as Acting Administrator was marked by significant developments, including the formulation of NASA's budget during a presidential transition and strategic decisions regarding the SLS and Orion programs. His leadership was instrumental in navigating the agency through a period of change and uncertainty. ([nasa.gov](

Collaboration with the Presidential Transition Team

In his February 15, 2017, memo, Lightfoot highlighted NASA's active engagement with the presidential transition team. He noted that members of the team were eager to be part of the agency and committed to keeping employees informed about developments. Lightfoot emphasized that, despite media speculation, any decisions regarding NASA's future direction would be communicated directly to the staff. This approach underscored the agency's dedication to transparency and open communication during a period of leadership change. ([](

Advancements in the SLS and Orion Programs

Lightfoot's memo also addressed the progress of NASA's key exploration programs: the Space Launch System (SLS) and the Orion spacecraft. He praised the critical work of industry partners and the agency's workforce in achieving significant milestones. The SLS and Orion programs were central to NASA's strategy for deep space exploration, aiming to take humans farther into space than ever before. Lightfoot's acknowledgment of these achievements highlighted the agency's commitment to advancing space exploration capabilities. ([](

Considerations for the First Crewed Flight

A notable aspect of the memo was Lightfoot's directive to Bill Gerstenmaier, then Associate Administrator for Human Exploration and Operations, to initiate a study assessing the feasibility of adding a crew to Exploration Mission-1 (EM-1). EM-1 was initially planned as an uncrewed test flight of the SLS and Orion systems. Lightfoot recognized the technical challenges and resource implications of this proposal, including the need for a different launch date. However, he also saw potential opportunities to accelerate the first crewed flight and advance human exploration objectives. This decision reflected NASA's proactive approach to enhancing mission capabilities and its responsiveness to evolving priorities. ([](

Emphasis on Industry Partnerships

The memo underscored the importance of collaboration with industry partners, stating that NASA's success depended on working with both SLS and Orion suppliers and other industry partners across the country. Lightfoot emphasized that securing the nation's leadership in space required a collective effort, integrating the expertise and resources of various stakeholders. This perspective highlighted NASA's recognition of the critical role that private industry plays in achieving its exploration and scientific objectives. ([](

Contextualizing the Memo within NASA's Strategic Goals

Lightfoot's memo must be understood within the broader context of NASA's strategic goals during the early months of the Trump administration. The agency was navigating a period of transition, with new leadership and policy directions. The emphasis on the SLS and Orion programs aligned with the administration's focus on revitalizing space exploration and returning humans to the Moon. The consideration of a crewed EM-1 mission was part of this broader strategy to accelerate human exploration beyond low Earth orbit. Additionally, the memo's focus on industry partnerships reflected a growing recognition of the need for public-private collaboration to achieve ambitious space exploration goals. ([nasa.gov](

Implications for NASA's Future Direction

The initiatives outlined in Lightfoot's memo had several implications for NASA's future direction. First, the potential acceleration of the crewed EM-1 mission indicated a shift towards more ambitious timelines for human exploration. Second, the emphasis on industry partnerships suggested a strategic approach to leveraging private sector capabilities, potentially leading to more efficient and innovative solutions. Third, the proactive communication with the transition team and the agency's workforce demonstrated a commitment to transparency and adaptability during a period of change. These elements collectively contributed to shaping NASA's trajectory in the subsequent years. ([sciencedirect.com](

Conclusion

Acting Administrator Robert M. Lightfoot Jr.'s February 15, 2017, memo provided a comprehensive update on NASA's initiatives, emphasizing the agency's collaboration with the presidential transition team, advancements in the SLS and Orion programs, considerations for crewed missions, and the importance of industry partnerships. The memo reflected NASA's strategic priorities during a transitional period and highlighted the agency's commitment to advancing space exploration through innovation, collaboration, and clear communication. Understanding the context and content of this memo offers valuable insights into NASA's operational focus and strategic direction during the early months of the Trump administration. ([sciencedirect.com](

Sources

  • NASA — Robert M. Lightfoot Jr. —
  • NASA — NASA Acting Administrator Statement on the NASA Authorization Act of 2017 —
  • NASA Watch — Lightfoot Tries a SLS Hail Mary Pass —
  • SpacePolicyOnline.com — Lightfoot: NASA Budget Still in Formulation, "Confident" of Administration Support —
  • ScienceDirect — Maintaining Momentum: Robert Lightfoot as NASA's Acting Administrator, 2017–2018 —