Jim Cast
Headquarters, Washington, D.C.                       September 3, 
1993
(Phone:  202/358-1779)


Release:  93-160

NASA SPACE STATION DIRECTOR RICHARD KOHRS TO RETIRE

   Richard H. Kohrs, Director, Space Station Freedom, is retiring 
from NASA today after 30 years of service to the space agency in 
Houston and in Washington, D.C.

   "Mr. Kohrs has made many significant contributions to NASA and 
to the Apollo, Space Shuttle and Space Station programs over the 
last 3 decades," said Arnold Aldrich, NASA's Associate 
Administrator for Space Systems Development.  "His outstanding 
program management abilities are unique in the agency.  His 
talents will be sorely missed."

   Kohrs was appointed Space Station Freedom Director on June 1, 
1989, with the responsibility for the design, development and 
future operations of the space station.  

   "For Space Station Freedom, Dick built a strong and effective 
program organization which stood the test despite the continuing 
annual cycles of reassessment and restructure," Aldrich added.  
"With each review, the Space Station became a stronger and more 
effectively focussed program.  He has been an immensely respected 
leader for Space Station Freedom within NASA, our international 
partners, the program contractors, on Capitol Hill and in the 
Executive Branch."

   Kohrs began his NASA career in 1963 at the Manned Spacecraft 
Center, Houston (now the Johnson Space Center or JSC), Apollo 
Spacecraft Program Office.  In 1973, he moved to the Space Shuttle 
Office at JSC and served at various management levels.  

   Prior to assuming his Space Station duties in Washington in 
1989, he served at JSC as Deputy Director of the Space 
Transportation System (Space Shuttle Program) under Aldrich and 
was a principal player in returning the Shuttle fleet to flight 
following the Challenger accident.

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   "The leadership and thoroughness which Dick brought to the 
Space Shuttle program following the Challenger accident anchored 
the return to flight activities," said Aldrich.  "He personally 
guided the establishment of the program analyses and processes 
upon which today's Shuttle safety program continues to be based."

   Over the years, Kohrs repeatedly has been lauded for his 
dedication and hard work for the nation's space program.  He has 
received the JSC Outstanding Leadership Medal, the NASA 
Exceptional Service Medal and the NASA Distinguished Service 
Medal.  Twice he received the American Institute of Aeronautics 
and Astronautics Space Systems Award.  He also has received the 
Meritorious and the Distinguished SES Presidential Rank.

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