Gregory's final flight was STS-44, which launched at night from the Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on November 24, 1991 with him as commander. During 110 orbits of the Earth, the crew successfully deployed their prime payload, the Defense Support Program (DSP) satellite. They worked on a variety of secondary payloads ranging from the Military Man in Space experiment designed to evaluate the ability of a space borne observer to gather information about ground troops, equipment and facilities, and also participated in extensive studies evaluating medical countermeasures to long duration space flight. The crew aboard the Orbiter Atlantis included the pilot Tom Henricks; three mission specialists, Story Musgrave, Jim Voss, and Mario Runco Jr.; and payload specialist Tom Hennen. The mission concluded on December 1, 1991, with a landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
From June 1992 to December 2001, Mr. Gregory held the position of Associate Administrator, Office of Safety and Mission Assurance, at NASA Headquarters. As Associate Administrator, he was responsible for assuring the safety, reliability, quality, and mission assurance of all NASA programs.
From December 2001 to August 2002 he served as the Associate Administrator for Space Flight and was responsible for overseeing the management of the International Space Station; Space Shuttle operations; Space Access using Expendable Launch Vehicles for commercial launch services; Space Communications; and Advanced Programs.
Frederick D. Gregory is currently the Deputy Administrator of NASA. He assumed this position in August 2002. He serves as the chief operating officer for the Agency and reports directly to NASA's Administrator. He is responsible for directing and managing many of the programs as well as the day-to-day operations and activities at NASA.
His honors include the Air Force and DOD, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, 16 Air Medals, 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses, Legion of Merit, Defense Superior Service Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, National Intelligence Medal; NASA, 3 Space Flight Medals, 2 Outstanding Leadership Medals, Distinguished Service Medal; National Society of Black Engineers Distinguished National Scientist Award; the George Washington University Distinguished Alumni Award; President's Medal, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science; Honorary Doctor of Science Degrees from the College of Aeronautics and the University of the District of Columbia. He was also awarded the Air Force Association Ira Eaker Award as well as numerous civic and community honors.
He is married to the former Barbara Archer. They have two grown children. Frederick, D., Jr., is a Captain in the Air Force, and a graduate of Stanford University. Heather Lynn is a social worker and graduate of Sweet Briar College. The Gregorys also have four grandchildren.
