Jerry C. Bostick is a former NASA employee who played a significant role in the space agency's early years. His journey with NASA began when he was in college, where he initially planned to become a structural engineer and accepted a job with Boeing in Seattle. However, a chance encounter at his college's placement office led him to interview with a representative from NASA Langley Research Center, despite already having accepted a job elsewhere. Impressed by the interview, Bostick decided to join NASA and began his career at the Langley Research Center in January 1962. His initial assignment was in the structures division, specifically in erectable structures. He was tasked with developing a space antenna that could be packaged into a small volume in a launch vehicle and then deployed once in space. However, Bostick's career took a turn when he expressed interest in becoming a flight dynamics officer. Despite some resistance from his division, his request was eventually approved by Chris Kraft, the then-flight director at NASA. This role change also involved a transfer to the flight control division. Bostick's work as a flight dynamics officer involved him in critical missions. For instance, during the Gemini IV flight, he served as a combination retrofire officer, flight dynamics officer, and guidance officer. He was part of a skeleton crew that activated the control center at Cape Canaveral for the launch phase of the mission. Bostick's contributions to NASA's space missions were significant, and his work in the control center and his involvement in mission simulations were instrumental in the success of these missions. His career at NASA showcases his adaptability, technical expertise, and dedication to the field of space exploration.

Scope and Content Note
February 23, 2000: This interview with Jerry C. Bostick provides a comprehensive overview of his career at NASA, beginning with his initial assignment at the Langley Research Center in 1962. Bostick discusses his early work in the structures division, where he was tasked with developing a space antenna that could be packaged into a small volume in a launch vehicle and then deployed once in space. Bostick also details his transition to becoming a flight dynamics officer, a role change that involved a transfer to the flight control division. He shares his experiences working on critical missions, such as the Gemini IV flight, where he served as a combination retrofire officer, flight dynamics officer, and guidance officer. The interview also delves into Bostick's work in the control center and his involvement in mission simulations, highlighting his significant contributions to the success of NASA's space missions. Bostick discusses the challenges and rewards of each mission, noting that each one was different from the last and required unique solutions. Bostick's reflections on his time at NASA provide valuable insights into the early years of space exploration and the technical and logistical challenges faced by the agency. His experiences underscore the importance of adaptability, technical expertise, and dedication in the field of space exploration.

June 24, 2000: This oral history interview provides an in-depth look into Bostick's career at NASA, particularly during the Apollo and Shuttle programs. Bostick discusses his transition from the Apollo Program to NASA Headquarters in Washington, expressing his disappointment at the end of Apollo and his initial lack of enthusiasm for the Skylab program. He also talks about his role in the Shuttle Payload Integration and Development Office, later renamed to Space Transportation System Operations, where he was involved in the operational aspects of the Shuttle Program before its first flight. Bostick shares his experiences with the development of the Shuttle Program, including the challenges of deciding how to operate and land the Shuttle. He also reflects on his visits to witness Shuttle launches, expressing regret at never having seen a night launch. In addition to his professional experiences, Bostick discusses his involvement with the film Apollo 13, which came about through his son's work with director Ron Howard. He also reflects on his career path, attributing his success to being in the right place at the right time and expressing gratitude for his experiences. The interview concludes with Bostick's thoughts on the importance of recording history and his hopes that this oral history project will serve as a valuable resource for future historians.