Brian Dailey
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Oral Histories
The interviews in this collection were selected from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Oral History Program, which contains interviews with aerospace legends, analyses of key events, aerospace chronologies, and more. The interviews included here are those that relate specifically to NOAA's mission.
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Dr. Brian Dailey is a renowned expert in space exploration and international relations, with a significant contribution to the Shuttle-Mir Project. His career began in the Senate Armed Services Committee, where he developed a deep understanding of Russian space issues, having visited Russia twice with committee members. His expertise in this area led to his appointment as the executive secretary of the National Space Council under President George H. W. Bush, succeeding Mark J. Albrecht in June 1992. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in preparing for the summit between President Bush and Russian President Boris Yeltsin, a key event in the history of international space cooperation. Despite his political appointment, Dailey maintained a non-partisan approach to his work, focusing on the logical and practical aspects of space policy. After leaving his official position, he continued to contribute to the project by acting as a sounding board for George Abbey and Dan Goldin, discussing the potential restructuring of the Space Station and the role of the Russians in the project. Dailey's extensive experience and deep understanding of Russian space issues have made him a valuable resource for government officials seeking advice on related matters.
Scope and Content Note
This interview with Dr. Brian Dailey, conducted by Rebecca Wright and Carol Butler as part of the Johnson Space Center Oral History Project, provides an in-depth look at the Shuttle-Mir Project and Dailey's role in it. The interview begins with Dailey's account of his transition from the Senate Armed Services Committee to the National Space Council, where he prepared for the summit between President Bush and Russian President Boris Yeltsin. He discusses his decision to leave his position after six months due to the change in administration and his continued involvement in the project as an advisor to George Abbey and Dan Goldin. Dailey also shares his disagreements with Goldin over the role of the Russians in the Space Station's restructuring, emphasizing his belief that the Russians should not be the critical element in the project [2]. The interview also covers Dailey's interactions with Dan Goldin and George Abbey, highlighting the policy issues and the discussions about the safety concerns related to the Russian facilities. Dailey's reflections on the changes in Russia due to the Shuttle-Mir Project and his frequent visits to the country provide valuable insights into the impact of international space cooperation.
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