posted 05-31-2015 07:31 AM               

...as one of the first Space Task Group members he became a NASA project engineer on Project Mercury and in 1961, joined NASA's advanced manned space project later named Gemini. In 1964, Jim joined McDonnell Aircraft, Gemini's contractor, as systems control manager for guidance and control.

Jim continued with McDonnell Douglas Corporation in positions of increasing responsibility until 1974 when he returned to government service under his mentor, John F. Yardley. From NASA headquarters in Washington DC, he directed vehicle development and engineering on the space shuttle program.

Jim Rose returned to McDonnell Douglas Astronautics Company in St. Louis in 1976 as manager of space shuttle payload development for research and commercial applications of space. In that capacity, Jim applied his talent and skill toward utilizing the nation's space transportation system for commercial advancement.

He created Electrophoresis Operations In Space (EOS), the first joint endeavor agreement between industry and NASA to bring space commercialization into reality. This program exploited the unique aspects of space microgravity to separate pharmaceuticals in space. McDonnell Douglas partnered with Ortho Pharmaceuticals, a division of Johnson & Johnson, on this far-reaching effort.

EOS developed many firsts throughout its decadal longevity, including launching the first non-NASA shuttle passenger, McDonnell Douglas engineer Charles Walker, as a payload specialist.