Paul F. Holloway
Paul F. Holloway (1938-2013) was an international authority in hypersonic aerodynamics and space vehicle entry-flight mechanics who not only helped develop the space shuttle, but also became NASA Langley’s sixth center director.
Born in Poquoson, Virginia, Holloway grew up within a few miles of the research facility where he would spend his 31-year career. He came to Langley as an aerospace engineer in 1960 after receiving a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering from Virginia Tech. He later attended the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.
Before becoming center director in 1991, Holloway worked primarily in spaceflight research. Holloway was appointed head of the Systems Analysis Section, Aero-Physics Division, in 1969; head of the Aerospace Operations Analysis Branch, Space Systems Division, in 1971; and chief of the Space Systems Division in 1971. In 1975, Holloway became director for space, and 10 years later, in 1985, he was named Langley deputy director.
As a charter member of the Space Shuttle Task Group, his team leadership was key to the testing and certification of the space shuttle’s thermal protection system before the orbiter’s first flight in 1981. That special outer barrier, made up of seven different materials, was the first and one-of-its-kind system for spaceflight. Holloway also strongly supported atmospheric research, including two experiments that flew on the Space Shuttle and the international SAGE III-Meteor-3M science mission with the Russians, which helped provide better ozone and other measurements of Earth’s atmosphere.
Before retiring as center director in 1997, Holloway wrote 42 technical publications and earned numerous awards. They included the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal in 1980, the NASA Exceptional Service Medal in 1981, the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, the NASA Equal Employment Opportunity Medal in 1992, the Presidential Rank of Meritorious Service in 1981, and two Senior Executive Service Distinguished Presidential Rank Awards in 1987 and 1993. Holloway also served as the co-director of the NASA/Department of Defense National Space Transportation and Support Study team.
He was a fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the American Astronautical Society and was a member of the International Academy of Astronautics. Holloway was also inducted into Virginia Tech’s Academy of Engineering Excellence in 2002.