When was Joseph Francis Shea born and where did he grow up?
Joseph Francis Shea was born on the 5th of September, 1925, in the Bronx borough of New York City. He grew up as the eldest son in a working-class Irish Catholic family.
Questions about Joseph Francis Shea
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What role did Joseph Francis Shea play in selecting the lunar orbit rendezvous method for Apollo?
Joseph Francis Shea became convinced that lunar orbit rendezvous was an option worth considering after meeting with John Houbolt at NASA's Langley Research Center. NASA announced its decision to use this approach at a press conference on the 11th of July 1962.
How did Joseph Francis Shea manage the Apollo Spacecraft Program Office starting in October 1963?
Joseph Francis Shea managed design and construction using a looseleaf notebook over one hundred pages long to summarize important developments each week. He required final approval from himself for any change to the design of the Apollo spacecraft.
Why did Joseph Francis Shea leave his position as chief of the Apollo Spacecraft Program Office in April 1967?
The pressure of the investigation into the Apollo 1 fire took a psychological toll on Joseph Francis Shea causing him to behave erratically. NASA administrator James Webb sent Robert Seamans and Charles Berry to speak with Shea and asked him to take an extended voluntary leave of absence which led to his transfer on the 7th of April 1967.
When did Joseph Francis Shea die and who survived him?
Joseph Francis Shea died on the 14th of February 1999, at his home in Weston, Massachusetts. He was survived by wife Carol, six daughters, and one son.