General James A. Abrahamson is a retired United States Air Force general who served as a fighter pilot and a test pilot. His background is in technical program management, with his first program in the U.S. Air Force being the Spacecraft Project Officer on the Vela Nuclear Detection Satellite Program, a satellite built by TRW Inc. intended to detect any nation that was cheating in space on the Space Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. Abrahamson also served as the program manager for the F-16 development program, which was a great success. Following this, he was appointed by NASA to run the Space Shuttle program, a role he accepted with enthusiasm. During his tenure at NASA, he was involved in various projects and initiatives. Abrahamson is known for his strong leadership and management skills, which were evident in his handling of a funding dispute with the chairman of General Dynamics. He also had the opportunity to participate in various activities, such as deep-sea diving, as part of his role as Assistant Associate Administrator at NASA. Before joining NASA, Abrahamson had a close working relationship with Jim Beggs, the then-head of NASA, and Hans Mark from the NASA Ames Research Center. His transition to NASA was smooth, and he was welcomed warmly by the team despite being an Air Force officer.

Scope and Content Note
This interview with General James A. Abrahamson, conducted on July 23, 2012, provides a detailed account of his career and experiences in both the U.S. Air Force and NASA. The interview covers a range of topics, including his early career as a fighter pilot and a test pilot, his role as a technical program manager, and his involvement in the Vela Nuclear Detection Satellite Program. The interview also delves into his time at NASA, where he was appointed to run the Space Shuttle program. Abrahamson discusses the challenges and successes he encountered during this period, including the implementation of a plan to address cannibalism in the Space Shuttle program. He also shares his experiences dealing with contractors and managing funding disputes. Abrahamson also talks about his experiences as Assistant Associate Administrator at NASA, including his participation in deep-sea diving activities and his interactions with other NASA employees. The interview concludes with a discussion about his transition to NASA and his relationship with Jim Beggs and Hans Mark. Throughout the interview, Abrahamson provides valuable insights into the inner workings of NASA and the U.S. Air Force, as well as the challenges and rewards of working in these organizations. His anecdotes and reflections offer a unique perspective on some of the most significant events and developments in the history of space exploration and military aviation.