Granville E. Paules, III is a distinguished electrical engineer whose academic foundation was laid at the University of Texas, Austin, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree. He served in the United States Navy.  Following his military service, Paules embarked on a career at NASA. At NASA, he assumed various roles that spanned the Flight Control Division, Operations Division, and Space Station Directorate. After his tenure at NASA, Paules transitioned to the field of transportation research and development. In addition to his professional pursuits, Paules is an active member of the Astronomy Club.  

Scope and Content Note
November 7, 2006: This interview with Granville Paules provides a comprehensive overview of his career and experiences as a Guidance Officer during the Apollo missions. Paules recounts his journey from his early fascination with space to his involvement in the space program, detailing his transition from the Navy to NASA. He emphasizes the significance of simulations and teaming processes in mission preparation. Paules offers insights into the rigorous training and development of new procedures that were essential for the success of the Apollo missions. He describes the challenges faced, such as the trajectory deviation during a mission that necessitated an extended engine burn and a subsequent heat shield test. The impact of the Apollo 1 tragedy on the morale of the team is also discussed. The discussion covers Paules' direct involvement in various missions, including Apollo 7, 8, 11, 12, and 13, highlighting the importance of personal checklists and procedural meetings. He shares the tension and excitement surrounding the lunar landings and the distinct personalities of the astronauts. His account of the Apollo 13 mission underscores the teamwork required to safely return the crew amidst critical challenges like the explosion caused by the probe incident. Paules also reflects on the broader context of working at NASA during the Vietnam War, the camaraderie within the NASA community, and the influence of the space program on his family. After a stint in transportation research, he returned to NASA to contribute to the Space Station program. The interview concludes with Paules offering advice for the Constellation program, stressing the need for flight operations teams' involvement in design and development, and reminiscing about the unparalleled experience of the first Moon landing.

November 15, 2007: Granville E. Paules provides a comprehensive account of his multifaceted career, detailing his experiences and the evolution of various programs at NASA. Paules reflects on his transition from NASA to the Department of Transportation and back, emphasizing his work on advanced transportation systems. He shares insights into his decade-long involvement with the Space Station Program at NASA Headquarters, where he navigated reorganizations, international partnerships, and cost analyses while also designing the operations concept for the Station. The interview sheds light on the challenges faced by the Space Shuttle and Space Station programs, especially following the Challenger disaster. Paules discusses the leadership of Goldin, who implemented significant cost reductions and restructured management, as well as the intricate legal negotiations that led to international collaboration, particularly with Russia. Paules also touches upon the Earth Science Program's shift towards more cost-effective satellite missions and the success of initiatives like the New Millennium Program. He underscores the importance of satellite technology, NASA's collaboration with industry, and the agency's unique expertise in creating specialized spacecraft. Budget constraints and the necessity of international agreements are highlighted as persistent challenges. Paules stresses the importance of involving end-users early in the requirements process and the need for risk management in long-term projects. Additionally, Paules recounts his experiences with the Apollo 13 mission, the Space Shuttle program, and his enjoyment of NASA's culture, including celebratory events. He expresses concern over the scarcity of programs to attract young talent to NASA and the increasing global competition in science and engineering, singling out China's growing prominence in these fields.