David Garrett
Headquarters, Washington, D.C.                                          
August 23, 1991
(Phone:  202/453-8400)

RELEASE:  91-139

NASA ASSOCIATE ADMINISTRATOR FOR EXPLORATION APPOINTED

   NASA Administrator Richard H. Truly announced today the 
selection of Dr. Michael D. Griffin for the newly established 
position of Associate Administrator for Exploration.  In this 
position, he will provide direction, integration and oversight 
of activities involving NASA exploration goals, including 
program, technical and fiscal management for matters relating 
to the Office of Exploration.

   Griffin is currently the Deputy for Technology, Strategic 
Defense Initiative Organization (SDIO), U.S. Department of 
Defense, responsible for all technical research within the 
program.  Prior to his current position, he played a key role 
in defining and technically directing the SDIO "Delta series" 
of space missions for which he was awarded the Defense 
Department's Distinguished Public Service Medal.

   He also has worked at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, 
Pasadena, Calif., participating in advanced studies on the 
Mars Sample Return and Mars Rover programs.  His earlier work 
also included experience in spacecraft mission operations at 
NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.

   Griffin received his B.A. in Physics from Johns Hopkins 
University and holds Master's degrees in Aerospace Science 
from Catholic University, in Electrical Engineering from the 
University of Southern California, in Applied Physics from 
Johns Hopkins University and in Business Administration from 
Loyola College of Maryland.  He received his Ph.D. in 
Aerospace Engineering from the University of Maryland and is a 
registered professional engineer in Maryland and California.

   In announcing the selection, Truly said, "NASA is very 
fortunate to have Mike Griffin on the NASA team.  He brings a 
wealth of knowledge, experience and dedication that will be 
instrumental in leading NASA's efforts to expand exploration 
beyond Earth orbit into the solar system."
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