Congressional Record: Tribute to NASA Flight Director Matt Abbott

TRIBUTE TO NASA FLIGHT DIRECTOR MATT ABBOTT — (Extensions of Remarks – December 04, 2007)

SPEECH OF HON. THOMAS M. REYNOLDS OF NEW YORK IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2007

Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, with great appreciation I rise today to honor a dedicated and highly respected western New York native, Matt Abbott, for his leadership in directing the recent space shuttle mission Endeavour.

As lead flight director on the recent space shuttle mission Endeavour, Matt has proven that when you put your mind to something anything is possible. Since he can remember, Matt has dreamed of working in Mission Control. When he was 6 years old, he watched on television as Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first men to walk on the moon. While most of Matt’s friends dreamed of becoming astronauts, Matt saw the challenge and inspiration in working behind the scenes, leading the mission.

While not physically aboard the shuttle , Matt has become one of the most important members in Mission Control, as the ultimate responsibility for decisions made during the flight lies on his shoulders.

After graduating from Texas A&M, Matt started working at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston as a Mission Control flight dynamics officer. In this position he was responsible for monitoring the location and performance of the shuttle during flight, as well as planning maneuvers. He then took a position with the Canadian Space Agency in Montreal, working with the Canadarm2 robotic arm on the International Space Station. He eventually returned to the Johnson Space Center, where he became a flight director. Matt has worked on 40 shuttle missions in flight dynamics, including 27 launches and 11 landings.

Throughout his life, Matt has been committed to pursuing his dreams. His achievements serve as an excellent example of how to make your dreams a reality, and he serves as a true role model for children across the country.

Madam Speaker, in recognition of his tremendous service, for his leadership, his dedication to our country, I ask this honorable body join me in honoring NASA flight director Matt Abbott.