Dr. Edward J. Weiler, born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1949, is a distinguished astrophysicist and former NASA executive renowned for his significant contributions to space exploration and scientific discovery. A graduate of Northwestern University with a Ph.D. in astrophysics, Dr. Weiler's career began in 1978 when he joined NASA Headquarters as a staff scientist. Serving as the 10th director of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center from August 2, 2004, to September 30, 2011, Dr. Weiler played a pivotal role in advancing key initiatives during his tenure. Before assuming the role of Goddard's director, Dr. Weiler served as the associate administrator for NASA's Space Science Enterprise from 1998 to 2004. Under his leadership, this period witnessed remarkable scientific breakthroughs, including the successful deployment of the Chandra and Spitzer "great observatories," the NEAR Shoemaker mission's close-up study of an asteroid, and missions like WMAP and FUSE, which contributed fundamental insights into the universe's age, composition, and the formation of the first stars and galaxies. Dr. Weiler's influence extends to his role as Chief Scientist for the Hubble Space Telescope from 1979 to 1998. Through triumphs and challenges, he steered the Hubble program, transforming it into the most productive scientific instrument globally. His commitment to excellence earned him prestigious awards, including two Presidential Rank Awards for Distinguished Executive, the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal, and the 1994 Presidential Rank Award of Meritorious Executive. 

Scope and Content Note
October 31, 2007: In this interview, Dr. Edward J. Weiler, former Center Director at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, shares insights into his extensive career and contributions to the agency, particularly his involvement with the Hubble Space Telescope. Dr. Weiler reflects on the multifaceted responsibilities of a Center Director, outlining his strategic vision for Goddard and its pivotal role in advancing space and Earth sciences, as well as supporting astronaut communications. The conversation delves into the broader functions of the Goddard Space Flight Center, underscoring its integral participation in numerous space missions and the consequential societal benefits derived from such endeavors. Dr. Weiler underscores the imperative of pushing the boundaries of scientific inquiry and the enduring significance of space exploration for future generations. Highlighting the cultural ethos of NASA, Dr. Weiler discusses the necessity of fostering an environment where questioning and challenging the status quo is encouraged, even if it means asking what might be perceived as "dumb questions." He addresses the complexities of managing a workforce composed of scientists and engineers and points out the distinctive competencies of the Goddard Space Flight Center, including the critical need to preserve domestic capabilities for building and launching spacecraft. Furthermore, Dr. Weiler touches upon the symbiotic relationship between human and robotic spaceflight, advocating for the importance of both in advancing our understanding of the universe. He concludes by emphasizing the inspirational power of human space exploration and its capacity to motivate the next wave of explorers, encouraging young individuals to pursue careers at NASA for the profound and lasting impact they can have on society and culture.

April 4, 2017: In this  interview, Dr. Ed Weiler, a former NASA official, provides an in-depth look at his tenure and the pivotal role he played in shaping NASA's scientific endeavors. He reflects on the formulation of the Origins Program, which was designed to address four fundamental questions about the universe, and his involvement in significant projects such as the James Webb Space Telescope. Weiler recounts the successes and setbacks of the Mars Program, emphasizing the critical nature of funding and decision-making in space exploration. Weiler discusses the transformative impact of technology, particularly charge-coupled devices (CCDs), on astronomy and the broader scientific community. He highlights the Hubble Space Telescope's contributions to both space science and medical technology, while also detailing the challenges faced during its repair missions. Weiler's narrative includes his experiences with securing government funding, working with Senator Mikulski, and the influence of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The interview also touches on Weiler's advocacy for public engagement in science and the importance of inspiring future generations to pursue STEM careers. He shares anecdotes from his interactions with NASA administrators and the complexities of leadership within the agency. Weiler candidly expresses his frustrations with political interference in NASA's work and the potential consequences for the future of science and exploration. Weiler concludes with reflections on his retirement, the perceived decline of NASA, and the enduring need for exploration to motivate the next generation of scientists and engineers. He also comments on the Augustine Committee report's impact on human spaceflight and the collaborative efforts between NASA and other government agencies.