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Memorial Tributes Volume 10 (2002) / Chapter Skim
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Joseph F. Shea
Pages 210-215

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From page 211...
... One of his many contributions to Apollo was the decision to base the mission on rendezvousing in lunar orbit. This decision was central to a successful lunar landing in the decade, and it is a tribute to He's logic and leadership that he was able to build a consensus among the three space centers, Marshall Space Flight Center, Cape Canaveral, and Johnson Space Center, at a time when they never agreed on anything.
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From page 212...
... This feature was a major factor in the reliability and continuing readiness of the still-operational Titan II ballistic missile weapon system, which is a major element of the current strategic deterrent missile force in the United States. Joe joined Space Technology Labs in 1961 and while there directed advanced systems analysis and preliminary de-sign studies of classified, advanced-technology ballistic missile defense concepts.
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From page 213...
... He contributed personally and directly by making key decisions regarding engineering and scientific applications, and actively directed the critical system tradeoffs and integration among spacecraft development, flight crew operations, and overall Apollo flight operations. At NASA, Joe made outstanding contributions to the establishment of the basic Apollo lunar mission concept, and he directed the initial design, development, and test of the Apollo spacecraft command and service modules.
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From page 214...
... Shea of Acton, Massachusetts, and Hilary Shea Crowley of Weston, Massachusetts; a son, Joseph E Manion of Framingham, Massachusetts; a sister, Jeanne Tombini of New Rochelle, New York; a brother, Gerald Shea of Middletown, Maryland; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
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  • lunar landing
  • service modules
  • spacecraft command
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  • lunar orbit
  • apollo lunar
  • orbit rendezvous
  • lunar module
  • initial apollo

  • defense science
  • joe directed
  • spacecraft development
  • apollo objectives
  • considerable amount

  • apollo conceptual
  • missile force
  • directly responsible
  • key decisions
  • technical feasibility

  • basic apollo
  • directed advanced
  • space engineering
  • technical skills
  • manned spacecraft

  • flight operations
  • initial design
  • defense concepts
  • joined space
  • managerial abilities


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