Edward C. "Pete" Aldridge, Jr.
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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Edward C. "Pete" Aldridge, Jr. is a prominent figure in the field of aerospace, with a career spanning over 40 years in both the public sector and private industry. His interest in aviation and mechanical things began at a young age, around six years old, when he loved to build model airplanes. His father, a licensed pilot, further influenced his interest in aviation. In 1992, Aldridge was offered a job to become the president and CEO of the Aerospace Corporation, a company involved with space systems engineering for the Air Force and NASA. During his tenure, he served on several panels, including the first Augustine Panel, the Commission on the Implementation of U.S. Exploration Policy, and the President’s Moon-to-Mars Commission. Aldridge was also involved in the defense sector. He was present in the Pentagon during the 9/11 attacks and narrowly escaped the disaster. After his retirement, he served on the boards of Lockheed Martin, Global Crossing, and Alion Science and Technology.
Scope and Content Note
This interview with Edward C. "Pete" Aldridge, Jr., conducted on May 29, 2009, provides a comprehensive overview of his career in the aerospace and defense sectors. Aldridge discusses his early interest in aviation and how it led to his work in the Department of Defense. He also talks about his tenure as the president and CEO of the Aerospace Corporation, his involvement with the Augustine Panel, the Commission on the Implementation of U.S. Exploration Policy, and the President’s Moon-to-Mars Commission. Aldridge shares his experiences during the 9/11 attacks and how it affected the Pentagon. He also discusses his role in the Aerospace Corporation's defense against lobbying efforts by the Professional Services Council. The interview concludes with Aldridge discussing his retirement and his current roles on the boards of Lockheed Martin, Global Crossing, and Alion Science and Technology.
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