Charles Frank Bolden Jr. is the Founder and CEO Emeritus of the Charles F. Bolden Group, a consortium of accomplished leaders founded in 2017 to foster international collaboration in making life better for all humanity. Appointed by the former president, Barack Obama, Charlie served as the 12th Administrator of NASA from 2009 to 2017, making him the first African American to hold the position permanently. Charlie is a retired U.S. Marine Corps Major General and former astronaut who has flown on four Space Shuttle missions.

Charlie joins us today to share his perspective on NASA’s transition from space shuttle operations to commercial space flight. You’ll gain insight into the real inside workings of Washington, DC, as well as his journey to becoming the 12th Administrator of NASA. Charlie also discusses what the future holds for space commerce and exploration, and explains why, if given the chance, he’ll take poets and artists to space.

“Our purpose is to make the earth a better, more sustainable place. I think we’re up to the challenge.” - Charlie Bolden

This week on Kathy Sullivan Explores:

●     Charlie’s last shuttle flight and the formation of the new space age

●     NASA’s state of play and Charlie’s road to Washington DC

●     His first experience with the National Space Council

●     The time Charlie had to convince the Congressional Black Caucus of the need for a space station

●     What working with Russian cosmonauts taught Charlie

●     My experience interacting with Soviet astronauts and cosmonauts

●     Charlie’s meeting with the former president, Barack Obama, and his nomination to NASA

●     The birth of the SLS, Orion, and commercial crew and cargo

●     Why NASA will remain the leader and catalyst for discovery

●     The advantages of developing a vibrant commercial space sector

●     The James Webb Space Telescope and what gives Charlie hope for the future

Our Favorite Quotes:

●     “Every crew becomes a family.” - Charlie Bolden

●     “Study hard, work hard, and never be afraid of failure. Listen respectfully to your parents, but follow your passion because it’s your life.” - Charlie Bolden

Connect with Charlie Bolden:

●     The Charles F. Bolden Group

●     The Charles F. Bolden Group on LinkedIn

●     The Charles F. Bolden Group on Instagram

●     The Charles F. Bolden Group on YouTube

●     The Charles F. Bolden Group on Twitter

●     Charlie Bolden on LinkedIn

●     Charlie Bolden on Twitter

Spaceship Not Required

I’m Kathy Sullivan, the only person to have walked in space and gone to the deepest point in the ocean.

I’m an explorer, and that doesn’t always have to involve going to some remote or exotic place. It simply requires a commitment to put curiosity into action.

In this podcast, you can explore, reflecting on lessons learned from life so far and from my brilliant and ever-inquisitive guests. We explore together in this very moment from right where you are--spaceship not required.

Welcome to Kathy Sullivan Explores.

Visit my website at kathysullivanexplores.com to sign up for seven astronaut tips to improving your life on earth and be the first to discover future episodes and learn about more exciting adventures ahead!

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