SFU connection to NASA Space Launch

 Morhard Interview on CBS3 Ahead of Historic SpaceX Launch

On Saturday, May 30, NASA astronauts are scheduled to fly on SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft, lifting off on a Falcon 9 rocket at 3:22 p.m. EDT from Launch Complex 39A in Florida.

According to NASA, the  Commercial Crew SpaceX Demo-2 Flight Test (Crewed) mission, will validate the company’s crew transportation system, including the launch pad, rocket, spacecraft, and operational capabilities. 

SFU Connection

NASA's Launch America program and Saint Francis University share a vital link: NASA Deputy Administrator James Morhard.

Morhard,  a 1978 Saint Francis accounting alumnus, has led a distinguished career in United States Federal Government.  In his most recent role, he "serves as the NASA’s second in command providing  leadership, planning, and policy direction for the agency to advance the Vision for Space Exploration." 

He is known in Washington for bringing civility to every interaction, a trait to which he credits his Catholic faith and his time at Saint Francis University.  

Morhard often talks of the importance of faith in his life. In the Spring 2013 issue of Saint Francis University magazine he recalls the harrowing tale of his survival of the 2010 Alaskan plane crash  that killed U.S. Senator Ted Stevens. He was among four who survived the crash and an 18-hour rescue in the remote wilderness. Morhard shared the story of faith and resilience once more as the graduate commencement speaker for the Class of 2015.