Alan Ladwig is a seasoned space industry professional whose career at NASA began in 1981 when he joined as a program manager for the Shuttle Student Involvement Project. His entry into NASA was facilitated by his advocacy for college student engagement in aerospace through a student organization and a pivotal meeting with Dr. Glenn Wilson, a figure associated with the Senate Aerospace Committee and NASA's education division. Ladwig's leadership in the Shuttle Student Involvement Project, which aimed to launch college student experiments aboard the Space Shuttle, was a notable success. During his tenure at NASA, Ladwig played a significant role in the Space Flight Participant Program, which was designed to allow civilians, including teachers and journalists, to experience space travel. Despite initial controversy, the program gained prominence when teacher Christa McAuliffe was selected to fly, a decision announced by Vice President George H.W. Bush. Ladwig's contributions to NASA extended beyond program management. He was involved in strategic planning, national space policy discussions, and faced challenges in public outreach roles, including the coordination of astronaut appearances and handling significant events like the memorial services for Neil Armstrong and Sally Ride. His tenure at NASA was marked by interactions with various political figures and administrators, as well as his involvement in space missions during the Clinton and Obama administrations. After leaving NASA due to frustrations with the agency's direction, Ladwig continued to engage with the space community through roles at Space.com, Celestis, Zero Gravity Corporation, and consulting firm WBB. He remained a vocal advocate for public engagement in space exploration and the importance of historical context in understanding NASA's mission. Ladwig's insights into the space industry are further shared in his upcoming book on private citizen spaceflight, and he continues to contribute to the field through his work at the Star Harbor Space Training Academy, where he champions the democratization of space opportunities.

April 11, 2017: This interview provides a comprehensive overview of Alan Ladwig's career trajectory and his significant contributions to NASA's educational and public engagement initiatives, as well as his subsequent roles in the aerospace industry and government. Alan Ladwig's tenure at NASA began in 1981 when he took on the role of program manager for the Shuttle Student Involvement Project. His entry into NASA was facilitated by his previous engagement with a student organization that advocated for college student participation in aerospace and related fields. Ladwig was pivotal in facilitating student experiments aboard the Space Shuttle, collaborating with corporate sponsors for funding and mentorship. His commitment to NASA's educational outreach continued until 1983, after which he served as General Abrahamson's executive officer, choosing to remain at NASA even after Abrahamson's departure for the Strategic Defense Initiative. The interview delves into the Space Flight Participant Program, which aimed to send civilians, specifically teachers, into space. It outlines the selection process, the criteria for choosing participants, and the involvement of various organizations and individuals. The political aspects surrounding the announcement of the winners and the opportunities for finalists are also discussed. The passage further addresses the selection of Christa McAuliffe and Barbara Morgan for the Teacher in Space program, the process for selecting a journalist for a similar initiative, and the impact of the Challenger disaster on these programs. Sally Ride's efforts to diversify NASA's commissions and studies are highlighted, along with Ladwig's experiences at NASA and SAIC, including the development of NASA's strategic plan and the challenges in space policy discussions. His book "See You in Orbit" and his participation in the National Space Policy discussion under Clinton are mentioned. After his time at NASA, Ladwig joined the aerospace industry, collaborating with commercial companies. He worked at Space.com, Celestis, Zero Gravity Corporation, and WBB Consulting. His involvement in various reports and initiatives related to the Space Station and space exploration during the 1990s is noted, as well as his experiences working during the Clinton and Obama administrations, including interactions with key political figures. The interview encapsulates Ladwig's diverse roles and the evolution of his career, reflecting the broader changes and challenges within NASA and the space industry over several decades.

June 7, 2017:  In this interview, Alan Ladwig, a former NASA Deputy Associate Administrator for Public Outreach, reflects on his career and the various roles he played at NASA. Ladwig candidly discusses a controversial remark made during a speech in France and its repercussions on his professional trajectory. He delves into his tenure at the Office of Communications, detailing the challenges and achievements he encountered, such as coordinating astronaut appearances, guest operations, and orchestrating significant events like the Space Shuttle Discovery's arrival at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Ladwig also recounts the obstacles faced in event planning, the inefficient dissemination of materials, and disputes with high-ranking officials. He highlights his involvement in organizing memorial services for astronauts Neil Armstrong and Sally Ride. His decision to leave NASA is explored, along with his perspectives on the agency's politics and future direction and his continued engagement in space-related activities post-departure. He emphasizes the necessity of public outreach and the hurdles of securing engagement and funding. The importance of NASA's History Office is underscored, including the difficulties in appointing a new Chief Historian and the significance of historical context for the agency. Ladwig expresses concern over potential changes to NASA's educational initiatives and the possible dissolution of the Space Grant Consortium, advocating for contingency planning. Ladwig shares insights from working with various NASA Administrators, such as James C. Fletcher, Dan Goldin, and Charlie Bolden, and the complexities of establishing programs like the Spaceflight Participant Program and the Shuttle Student Involvement Project. He reflects on the intricacies of participant selection and the inclusion of educators, journalists, and artists. Lastly, Ladwig discusses public engagement at the Star Harbor Space Training Academy, lauds Jim Abrahamson's leadership, and mentions his media representations for NASA. He concludes with his intention to publish a book on private citizen spaceflight, marking his ongoing commitment to space exploration advocacy.