Richard Truly, a distinguished former NASA administrator and aerospace pioneer, passed away at his home in Keenesee, Colorado, on February 27, 2024. He was 86 years old. The following is NASA's eulogy: Trulli's career spanned decades, during which time he left an indelible mark on the U.S. Navy, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and even human exploration of space.
Trulli began his career in the Navy as a test pilot and naval aviator, performing more than 300 aircraft carrier landings with heroic prowess. His transition from Ensign to Vice Admiral demonstrated his leadership and dedication.
Trulli's contributions to space exploration were profound. As an astronaut, he participated in the approach and landing tests of the Space Shuttle Enterprise and led the Columbia and Challenger missions, including the first spacecraft re-flight in space and the first night launch and landing.
After the Challenger disaster, Trulli played a key role in NASA's return to orbit, serving as deputy administrator and then NASA administrator. Under his leadership, the iconic "pale blue dot" image of Earth was captured, highlighting his vision for humanity's place in the universe.
Richard Trulli is survived by his wife Cody and their three children, and his spirit of exploration and leadership transcended his time on earth. He was a mentor, pioneer and visionary whose life's work significantly advanced our understanding of space and our ability to explore it. His contributions will continue to inspire future generations to reach for the stars.
The following is a statement from NASA Administrator Bill Nelson regarding the death of former NASA Administrator and astronaut Richard Truly on February 27, 2024, at his home in Kenisi, Colorado:
"NASA is what it is today because of many people of character, vision and service - such as the great man we lost on February 27, former NASA Administrator, Deputy Administrator and astronaut Richard Trulli.
Richard served the Navy, NASA, and his country for decades, pushing humanity's exploration of the unknown and the realization of impossible dreams to greater heights.
"During his 30 years in the Navy, Richard served as a test pilot and naval aviator, landing more than 300 times on aircraft carriers. Richard was promoted from Ensign to Vice Admiral.
As an astronaut, Richard was a crew member on the space shuttle Enterprise's approach and landing tests. He piloted Space Shuttle Columbia during STS-2, the first piloted spacecraft to return to space, and he also commanded Space Shuttle Challenger during STS-8, the first night launch and landing of the era.
Richard led NASA's first launch and go-around after the Challenger crisis. He led the space shuttle program to fly into the sky again and head towards the stars. He understands that no matter what difficulties we endure, humanity and NASA have only one direction: moving forward.
As NASA administrator, it was under Richard's leadership and judgment that Voyager 1 turned toward Earth and took the final picture of our beautiful planet from 3.7 billion miles away. This is what became known as the 'Pale Blue Dot' photo. That said, Richard's vision as a manager was bold and broad. Humanity is better off because of it.
Richard's grace as a leader and vision as a pioneer are evident throughout these honors, trials and triumphs.
Richard knew that we choose to do great things not because they are easy, but because they are hard. He was a dear friend and mentor to many of us. My heartfelt condolences to Richard's wife Cody and their three children. I invite all those who care about humanity's higher aspirations to join me in saying farewell to this great public servant. "
Compiled source: ScitechDaily