Tommy Holloway, an 11-year Magnolia resident and former manager of the International Space Shuttle program at NASA, worked on some of the earliest space flights in American history and helped to make space exploration possible for future generations.
After graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Arkansas, Holloway was offered a job at the space center in Houston in 1963. That same year, NASA began work on the Gemini program to train astronauts for the future moon landing. Holloway said he recalled seeing a launch for the first time at Cape Canaveral in Florida.
“[To see the launch in person], that left a big impression on a new guy from Arkansas,” he said.
Holloway became shuttle flight director in 1979 and worked on 23 flights from 1965-1988, including NASA’s seventh Space Shuttle mission that carried Sally Ride, the first American woman in space.
Holloway was named manager of the International Space Station Program in 1998 and oversaw day-to-day operations for nearly four years. In 2001, he won the Rotary National Award for Space Achievement, an honor also given to former President George H.W. Bush and astronaut Neil Armstrong.
Holloway retired in 2002 and moved to Magnolia with his wife, Shirley, in 2004, but still serves as a consultant for advisory committees on space travel and stays up to date with activity on the space station. As for the future of space travel, Holloway offered words of encouragement to NASA employees in his retirement speech.
A copy of the speech was launched into space and mounted on the space station:
“You are still on the mountain, the wind is blowing, the crevices are deep and you should continue the climb. Success will depend on endurance, diligence, dedication and commitment ... my heart will be with you there each step of the way.”
