Eilene Galloway
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Oral Histories
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Eileen Galloway (May 4, 1906 – May 2, 2009) was a prominent American researcher and editor, often referred to as "The Grand Dame of Space." Born as Eilene Marie Slack in Kansas City, Missouri, she later adopted the name Eileen Galloway after marrying George Galloway, an expert on Congressional workings. Galloway's career at the Congressional Research Service in the Library of Congress commenced in 1941. During the Sputnik Crisis, she gained recognition when asked by Senator Richard Russel Jr. to write a report on the impact of the Soviet Union's satellite launch. This led to her collaboration with Lyndon B. Johnson in summarizing Congressional testimonies on Sputnik. Her contributions extended globally, as she worked for decades on the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. Galloway served as the editor of the Space Law Senate Symposium, played a crucial role in establishing the Agency for the American Space Explorative, and co-founded the International Institute of Space Law (IISL). She also served on NASA advisory committees and authored numerous articles. Eileen Galloway married George Galloway, her colleague at the Congressional Research Service. They had a son, J. F. Galloway, who later became a retired professor of political science. Eileen Galloway passed away in Washington, D.C., on May 2, 2009. Eileen Galloway received notable recognition for her contributions, including the NASA Public Service Award and Gold Medal in 1984, the first Lifetime Achievement Award from Women in Aerospace in 1987, and becoming a fellow of the American Astronautical Society in 1996. In 2006, she made history as the first woman elected an Honorary Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. The annual Galloway Symposium on Critical Issues in Space Law is named in her honor, showcasing her enduring legacy in the field. Her papers are archived at the University of Mississippi School of Law.
Scope and Content Note
August 7, 2000: This interview with Eilene Galloway, a national defense analyst, provides a comprehensive overview of her significant contributions to the field of space law and the establishment of NASA. Galloway discusses the shock and fear in the United States when the Soviet Union launched the first satellite into outer space in 1957. She played a pivotal role in assisting Senator Lyndon Johnson in organizing hearings and gathering information on the impact of the Soviet satellite, which led to the establishment of legislative committees to create NASA. Her background in government organization and her ability to work quickly and efficiently were crucial in this process. Galloway further elaborates on her involvement in the creation of NASA and the development of space legislation in the United States. She shares anecdotes from her experiences, including interactions with the Soviet delegation and her work with the United Nations on space treaties. She also discusses her role in the creation of the NASA Act and the establishment of the National Aeronautics and Space Council, emphasizing the importance of peaceful uses of outer space and the international nature of space activities. The interview also covers Galloway's reflections on the international nature of weather and disaster relief, as well as the challenges of commercialization and privatization in space exploration. She reflects on her career in space law and her involvement with various professional organizations. Galloway also discusses her involvement in various space organizations and committees, her work with NASA, and her experiences in the early days of space exploration. She talks about receiving awards and recognition for her work in the field and emphasizes the importance of coordination and cooperation between different space programs and initiatives. Galloway also discusses her career in space law and her involvement in various international agreements and treaties related to space exploration. She shares about her husband's work and their family, as well as her experiences working with different people and organizations in the space industry. She emphasizes the importance of thinking ahead and considering the consequences of actions in space exploration. Lastly, Galloway discusses her time working at the Library of Congress and how technology, particularly the use of fax machines, has affected her job. She also mentions her ability to work from home after retiring.
September 14, 2000: This interview with Eilene Galloway provides a comprehensive overview of her significant contributions to space policy and international relations. Galloway had a robust educational background and worked as an editor for the Legislative Reference Service at the Library of Congress, where she focused on national defense and atomic energy issues. She was appointed as a Special Consultant to the Senate Committee on Aeronautical and Space Sciences and played a crucial role in the legislation that established NASA. Galloway discusses her career in space law and her experiences with the United Nations, Congress, and the International Astronautical Federation. She reflects on her career progression and the challenges she faced as a woman in a predominantly male field. She also shares personal anecdotes about her travels with her husband and her involvement in various international organizations. A key figure in space policy and international relations, Galloway emphasizes the importance of integrating social sciences into space missions. She discusses the challenges of writing space history, the changes in Senate staffing, and the necessity for historical research to be based on official sources and up-to-date information. Galloway also shares insights into her career path, which included learning dressmaking and secretarial skills, her work with NASA, and her research methods before the advent of the Internet. She talks about her work in space law and her involvement in various committees and conferences related to space exploration. The interview concludes with Galloway discussing the legislative branch's swiftness during the Sputnik era and her ability to meet deadlines in her work for NASA. She also talks about using carbon paper and indexing reports for the Senate. Galloway expresses her enjoyment of the interview, providing a personal touch to the conversation.
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