Definition
A senior NASA official (former Associate Administrator for Human Exploration and Operations) who was a critical ally and advocate for SpaceX during the development of the COTS and CRS programs.
Why It Matters
He represents the visionary customer who realized NASA’s role was to enable the private sector rather than just compete with it. His support for SpaceX is why we have a thriving commercial space industry today.
Core Concepts
- Background: Joined NASA in 1977; managed the ISS program. Lived in Russia supporting NASA flights to the Mir station.
- The “Pragmatic” Ally: Unlike many skeptical officials, Gerstenmaier accepted that SpaceX’s “scrappy” methods (e.g., using rusted scrounged tanks) were sufficient for mission success, drawing comparisons to the rugged Russian Baikonur facilities.
- Decision Power: Commanded a $10B budget and made key decisions about private resupply contracts.
- SpaceX Hire: After being moved out of his NASA role in 2019, he was hired by SpaceX as a consultant to assist with flight reliability and NASA certification.