ROCKETDYNE IMPRESSES NASA HEAD.Byline: Deborah Adamson Daily News Staff Writer Two years ago, NASA NASA: see National Aeronautics and Space Administration. NASA in full National Aeronautics and Space Administration Independent U.S. chief Daniel Goldin Daniel Saul Goldin (born July 23, 1940) served as the 9th and longest-tenured Administrator of NASA from April 1, 1992, to November 17, 2001. He was appointed by President George H. W. Bush and served under three presidential administrations. criticized Rocketdyne's work. On Tuesday, he came to praise it. Like any good customer, the administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), civilian agency of the U.S. federal government with the mission of conducting research and developing operational programs in the areas of space exploration, artificial satellites (see satellite, artificial), checked the goods. NASA, after all, is Rocketdyne's big customer. Examining an engine part with a label reading ``143 days ahead of schedule,'' Goldin breathed a ``wow'' as executives looked. ``Years ago, I was very critical. You folks were reluctant to change,'' he said. In his previous visit, he had cited Rocketdyne's engines for launch delays. ``Now you're leading . . . you guys stepped up to the plate and made the change.'' Known for his relentless drive to improve the space industry, Goldin gave a thumbs-up to Rocketdyne's efforts. ``Quality has improved dramatically. (Goldin) laid an expectation on us,'' said Paul Smith, president of the rocket engine maker, which is in the midst Adv. 1. in the midst - the middle or central part or point; "in the midst of the forest"; "could he walk out in the midst of his piece?" midmost of being absorbed by Seattle-based Boeing Co. On its road to improvement, the unit of Rockwell International Rockwell International was the ultimate incarnation of a series of companies under the sphere of influence of Willard Rockwell, who had made his fortune after the invention and successful launch of a new bearing system for truck axles in 1919. Corp. solicited more employee feedback on manufacturing and design processes. Instead of throwing money at a problem, such as adding quality inspectors, Rocketdyne analyzed its operations and assigned teams to redesign them.In 1995, the company had six perfect launches, Smith said. This year, one launch had a one-day delay but the other six went off without a hitch. In a motivational speech, Goldin urged thousands of Rocketdyne employees to maintain their momentum. ``I am so proud of this team,'' said Goldin, as he gazed into a sea of waving flags and red, white and blue pompons. ``You're here not just to earn money. You're on a mission . . . you have a contract with the American people An American people may be:
Joining him at the podium was Col. Robert Cabana, the astronaut who will command a space shuttle mission in late 1997 to carry hardware to assemble a space station. Systems engineer Helen Breeden said she felt gratified grat·i·fy tr.v. grat·i·fied, grat·i·fy·ing, grat·i·fies 1. To please or satisfy: His achievement gratified his father. See Synonyms at please. 2. by Goldin's praise and encouragement. ``It's nice to get a positive feedback like that,'' she said. CAPTION(S): Photo Photo: (Color) Production manager Michael Costas briefs ast ronaut Bob Cabana, left, and NASA chief Dan Golden during tour. David Richard Crane |
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