Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy Honors Space Shuttle Closeout Crew Lead

NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy visited the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA. Melroy met with Travis Thompson, former Closeout Crew Lead who served for nearly 100 missions, as they view Thompson's uniform at its exhibit on July 9, 2021. Commander Melroy presented Thompson with a plaque for the occasion and surprised him by showing him she had kept the gift he gave to her many years ago. It was an emotional moment that celebrated not just the heroes who venture out into space, but also those who make sure they come home safely.

In 1983, Travis Thompson joined the United Space Alliance as the Closeout Crew Lead and served in that role for almost 100 missions. His first assignment supported the crew of Challenger’s STS-8 mission, and later became the Closeout Crew Chief for the last ten years of Shuttle missions. His service included final checks of the astronauts’ launch entry suits before boarding, assisting crews into their seats, launch pad safety and evacuation trainings for the astronauts and launch pad crew members, and strapping in astronauts in for launch. Thomp