Who has the toughest job of all?

摘要

For an institution that once led the world in space exploration NASA has recently appeared a little shabby. Starved of funds, it has been repeatedly savaged by commentators for its lack of coherent direction and measurable progress. But according to Jim Bilbro, NASA chief technologist at the Alabama-based Marshall Space Flight Centre (MSFC), at least some of this is about to change. The facility is best known for its work on launch systems, microgravity and, most recently, advanced optics for telescopes, and in his newly created position Bilbro plans a complete reorganisation of its technological development. His task will be to find, develop and use the latest technologies to further space exploration, rationalising MSFC's science and engineering programmes.