posted 08-26-2013 09:43 AM               

Astronaut Gregory H. Johnson Leaves NASA

NASA astronaut Gregory H. Johnson has left the agency, after a 15-year career that included more than 31 days in space, for a position with the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space.

A veteran of two space shuttle flights, Johnson served in 2008 as the pilot of STS-123, a mission vital to the construction of the International Space Station. He followed that up two years later as the pilot of STS-134, the penultimate space shuttle mission.

"Greg contributed greatly to the construction of the International Space Station, and I very much enjoyed my time in orbit with him," said Bob Behnken, chief of the Astronaut Office at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. "We are grateful for his service to NASA and wish him well in his new career."

Johnson earned an undergraduate degree in aeronautical engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy. He later earned graduate degrees from Columbia University and the University of Texas, and served in the U.S. Air Force as a pilot. Johnson flew combat missions during Operations Desert Storm and Southern Watch.

Johnson joined NASA as an astronaut in 1998, and filled many technical roles including capsule communicator for the STS-126, 119, 125 and 127 missions; deputy chief and then chief of the Astronaut Safety Branch; and associate director of external programs at NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. Johnson recently led the Astronaut Office's Visiting Vehicle Working Group, which helped plan and execute missions with NASA's commercial partners.

Johnson retired from the Air Force as a colonel in 2009, after more than 25 years of service. He has logged more than 5,000 flight hours in more than 50 different aircraft.

posted 08-26-2013 09:46 AM               

Col. Gregory H. Johnson Named CASIS Executive Director

Today, Gregory H. Johnson, Colonel (Ret), was named executive director for the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) – the nonprofit entity selected by NASA to manage the utilization of the International Space Station (ISS) U.S. National Laboratory. Col. Johnson will assume his role effective September 1, 2013.

As executive director, Col. Johnson will lead the CASIS organization to identify novel applications and new partnership opportunities advancing use of our nation's orbiting laboratory.

“Col. Johnson’s combination of experience within our nation's space program, leadership skills and familiarity with the aerospace industry make him an ideal fit for CASIS,” said CASIS Board of Directors Chair Dr. France Cordova. “With Col. Johnson's appointment by the Board, a critical role within the organization has been filled. He will drive forward the mission of CASIS, which is to enable and maximize use of the ISS National Laboratory as a unique resource for scientific discovery, technology development and education."

The ISS U.S. National Laboratory is focused on accelerating basic discoveries and innovation in areas that require microgravity and other extreme conditions uniquely provided by space. The facility offers opportunities for basic and applied research in the biological sciences, biotechnology, human health, physical and materials science, Earth and space imaging, and engineering research and development that will both advance our efforts in space and contribute to improving life on our planet.

“It is an honor to accept the role of executive director with CASIS and promote the benefits of conducting research on the ISS,” said incoming CASIS Executive Director Col. Gregory H. Johnson. “To see the strides this organization has made in less than two years of existence is highly encouraging, and I look forward to working alongside the CASIS staff as we continue to enhance the scope of spaceflight research and enable groundbreaking innovations for the benefit of humankind.”

Col. Johnson was selected as a NASA Astronaut in 1998 and ultimately piloted two Space Shuttle missions (STS-123 and STS-134, both aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour) where he spent nearly 32 days in orbit and contributed to the assembly of the ISS. In October 2011, Col. Johnson began a rotational assignment as the associate director of external programs at NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, OH. In that role, Col. Johnson managed all public affairs, outreach and educational programs at the Center.

Before NASA, Col. Johnson was a decorated officer and pilot with the United States Air Force. Col. Johnson flew 34 combat missions in support of Operation Desert Storm and 27 missions during Operation Southern Watch. In 1994, he was assigned to the 445th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards Air Force Base, where he flew and tested the F-15C/E, NF-15B and other aircraft. During his nearly 25 years in the U.S. Air Force, Col. Johnson logged over 5,000 flight hours in more than 50 different aircraft.

Col. Johnson received his B.S. in aeronautical engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy, his M.S. in flight structures engineering from Columbia University and his M.B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin.

The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) was selected by NASA in July 2011 to maximize use of the International Space Station (ISS) U.S. National Laboratory through 2020. CASIS is dedicated to supporting and accelerating innovations and new discoveries that will enhance the health and wellbeing of humankind and our planet. The CASIS goal is to bring the magic of space down to earth.

posted 02-16-2018 05:23 PM               

CASIS Announces Change of Leadership

The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) today announced that President and Executive Director Gregory H. Johnson plans to leave the nonprofit organization effective March 10, 2018, after serving in that position for nearly five years.

Johnson was named to the position in August 2013 with a mission to lead a diverse team of professionals in the unprecedented challenge to establish a national laboratory in space, the International Space Station (ISS) U.S. National Laboratory, and to foster the growth of a community of users and facilities on the lab for Earth benefit.

"When I began this journey with CASIS, my focus was to build a strong, cohesive team with the right skills and core values to execute our mission. We have gained traction building new demand for the ISS by facilitating nontraditional innovation," said Johnson. "Last year was a great year for the ISS National Lab with a positive trajectory, including the introduction of some very interesting new players and significant sponsored programs from other government agencies, other not-for-profits, and commercial companies — I am very proud of the team's progress to date and am ready to transition to the next phase of my professional career."

"The addition of new users, commercial facilities, and the expansion of our portfolio to new areas of research and technology, is a testament to our collaborative spirit," Johnson added. "I'd like to thank our Board of Directors for their strategic guidance and NASA for enabling and embracing the ISS National Lab opportunity. Our NASA colleagues gave us the latitude to be creative, while offering superior guidance and support to learn and grow along the way." Johnson concluded, "It was an honor to serve the ISS National Laboratory and CASIS, and it has been both challenging and rewarding to make progress together on this unique and important mission."

A national search for a new executive director will begin immediately. Upon Johnson's departure, CASIS Chairman of the Board of Directors Lt. General (Ret) James A. Abrahamson will resign from the board and will serve as the interim president and executive director until a permanent replacement is appointed. The chairmanship of the board will be assumed by the Vice-Chairman and Chair-Elect Phillip Schein, M.D.

"It's an exciting time in the history of space exploration and development, full of opportunities and possibilities, as our nation and NASA seek to maximize the benefits and returns of our investments in space," said Abrahamson. "We are truly grateful for Greg's sense of duty and for his leadership in bringing the CASIS team and the ISS National Lab to this point. We look forward to the future and building on the many accomplishments and successes realized during his time here. We wish him the very best."

posted 05-29-2018 07:48 AM               

Former NASA Astronaut Gregory "Box" Johnson joins Space Nation

Astronaut Gregory "Box" Johnson has joined Finnish startup Space Nation as the Chief Space Officer. Johnson's role will be to advise on the further development of the Space Nation Astronaut Program and future missions to the International Space Station where Johnson has been deployed twice. Space Nation released the first step of the program, the Space Nation Navigator app, which allows anyone with a smartphone to start their astronaut training, in April 2018.

"It is a great asset for Space Nation to get an experienced astronaut like Greg on board our management team. His first hand experience from extensive astronaut training and working on board the International Space Station will be invaluable to us in the development of our programs and new partnerships," said Kalle Vähä-Jaakkola, CEO and co-founder of Space Nation.

Johnson left the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) in March 2018 where he has been for the last five years and is an advocate for STEM and science for youth. Johnson was the pilot of the Endeavour space shuttle on the STS-123 mission as well as her final flight, mission STS-134. In total Johnson spent 32 days in space, including his time at the International Space Station. Johnson holds multiple engineering degrees and an MBA, and is a trained fighter pilot. Before his career at NASA Johnson flew 61 combat missions with the US Air Force during operation Desert Storm.

Johnson made an appearance in Space Nation's first training in Iceland in May 2018. Influencers got a first hand experience of the Space Nation astronaut training that is awaiting the candidates who will be picked for the Space Nation Astronaut Program. During the Iceland astronaut experience the candidates went through physical and mental challenges, solved challenges with the CubeRover, which will be deployed to the moon by Astrobotics in 2020, and executed an extensive search and rescue mission.

"I first heard about Space Nation about 18 months ago and became fascinated by their approach and aim to democratize space," said Johnson. "I know how that I was extremely fortunate to have been selected astronaut and get the opportunity to fly in space. Going through the astronaut training program has taught me so much and being in space seeing the Earth from above is a life changing experience. An experience we hope to be able to share with people on Earth no matter where they are, through the Space Nation Astronaut Program."

Space Nation's aim is to make space accessible and relevant for all on Earth, and open up a way for the general public to participate in the new space era. Through the Space Nation Navigator mobile app, developed utilizing NASA and Axiom Space expertise, anyone can now start training their astronaut skills in the hope of being selected to become a Space Nation astronaut. Space Nation will send the first Space Nation Astronaut to lower orbit next year and then further out every year after that.

posted 01-08-2019 03:41 PM               

Retired Astronaut Gregory H. Johnson Joins Armstrong Air & Space Museum Board

The Armstrong Air & Space Museum Association is honored and pleased to announce that renowned astronaut and aviator, Gregory H. Johnson (Colonel, United States Air Force, Retired) has joined the Association’s Board of Trustees. As a longtime friend of the museum and the former President and Executive Director for the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, Johnson brings his extraordinary knowledge and expertise to the Board during this milestone anniversary year.

Johnson is a graduate of Park Hills High School in Fairborn, Ohio, and attended the U.S. Air Force Academy. A pilot and flight instructor, he was deployed to the Middle East and flew 34 combat missions in support of Operation Desert Storm. He flew an additional 27 combat missions during Operation Southern Watch before serving as an Air Force test pilot. During his career Johnson logged more than 5,000 flight hours in 50 different aircraft.

Johnson was selected for NASA’s Astronaut program in 1998. He served as pilot of the Shuttle Endeavour on STS-123 for the 25th shuttle/space station assembly mission. He also piloted the Shuttle Endeavour on STS-134 during its final flight and served as the lead robotic arm operator for the shuttle and space station. Johnson has also served in numerous roles for NASA including as a CAPCOM for several missions. He was assigned to the Shuttle Cockpit Avionics Upgrade (CAU) council – redesigning cockpit displays for future Space Shuttle missions. Johnson now serves as an aerospace consultant and STEM advocate.

The Armstrong Air & Space Museum Association Board of Trustees is excited to have someone with such an incredible background and wealth of knowledge in the areas of flight and space exploration join the Board to help lead the museum into the future. The Armstrong Air & Space Museum is one of more than 50 historical sites and museums across Ohio managed by the Ohio History Connection. It is locally managed by the Armstrong Air & Space Museum Association and is accredited by the American Association of Museums.

posted 06-09-2019 09:02 AM               

Astronaut Among New Michigan Heroes Museum Board Members

The home to over 850 personal stories of our state’s military veterans and astronauts added seven members to their board of directors. Among these are a former NFL quarterback, a former NASA astronaut, former and current members of the Michigan House of Representatives, the grandson of a WWII Veteran, a retired US Army Brigadier General, and a former officer in the US Army.

“We are so excited to add these amazing individuals to our board of directors,” said board president Greg Rummel. “All of them already Honor, Respect, and Remember our great state’s military and space heroes every day. They will certainly help us as we continue to keep the memories of our heroes alive, but also as we strive to expand our world-class exhibits into the world-class facility which they deserve.”

COL Gregory H. Johnson, Traverse City, MI.
United States Air Force Academy graduate; Bachelor of Science degree in aeronautical engineering; in December 1990 Johnson was deployed to Saudi Arabia, flying 34 combat missions in support of Operation Desert Storm, later an additional 27 combat missions in support of Operation Southern Watch. Johnson was selected in the seventeenth group of astronauts in 1998. Colonel Johnson was the pilot of STS-123 Endeavour (March 11-27, 2008) and STS-134 Endeavour (May 16 - June 1, 2011). COL Johnson orbited Earth 498 times during his total of 31 days, 11 hours, and 50 minutes in space.

About the Michigan Heroes Museum
For the last 42 years, Michigan Heroes Museum was launched to Honor, Respect, and Remember Michigan citizens’ personal contributions to our nation’s military, and space program. The museum currently is displaying 150 personal wartime and space exploration stories. Every day The Michigan Heroes Museum shares the personal stories of heroism, leadership, and sacrifice – sometimes the ultimate sacrifice – of ordinary Michigan men and women thrust into extraordinary circumstances. The museum believes that sharing this heritage is vital to understanding our past and preserving our future. The museum is open from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm, seven days a week.