NASA's Space Shuttle Program Manager, William Parsons announced today Michael Rudolphi has been named manager of the Space Shuttle Propulsion Office at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in Huntsville, Ala., effective December 1, 2003.

Rudolphi replaces Alex McCool, who is serving as a Special Advisor to MSFC Director David King. Rudolphi served as the Interim Director at NASA's Stennis Space Center (SSC), Miss. since July 2003, managing NASA's rocket propulsion test capabilities and Earth Science applications.

In his new position, Rudolphi assumes responsibility for the manufacture, assembly and operation of the primary Space Shuttle propulsion elements: the main engines, external tank, solid rocket boosters and reusable solid rocket motors.

"Overseeing the Space Shuttle's propulsion system is a critical and challenging responsibility, and 'Rudi' has the experience and leadership skills to be very successful at it. His selection will enhance the long-standing collaboration between the Stennis and Marshall Centers. It also promotes senior executive mobility within the agency and exemplifies the One NASA principle," said Parsons.

"I am delighted to welcome 'Rudi' back to the Marshall Center," said King. "He is an outstanding manager whose contribution will be invaluable as we work to safely return the Space Shuttle to flight."

Rudolphi began his career with NASA at the Marshall Center in 1988 as Facility Manager for the Advanced Solid Rocket Motor Project in Luka, Miss. He managed the design, construction and operation of an ultra-modern rocket manufacturing facility. In 1995 he took a special assignment in the MSFC Resident Office at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla. He returned to MSFC in 1996 as Chief Engineer of the Solid Rocket Booster Project. He later served as Solid Rocket Booster Project Manager and as Manager of the Reusable Solid Rocket Motor Project prior to becoming Deputy Director at SSC.

From 1983 to 1988 he served as Field Engineering Manager for the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in Knoxville, Tenn. In 1982-83 he was Project Engineer for Daniel International in Fulton, Miss. And from 1972 to 1982 he was a Design Engineering Supervisor for the TVA.

Rudolphi received a bachelor's of science degree in civil engineering in 1971 and a master's of science degree in civil and structural engineering in 1975 from the University of Tennessee. He is a registered Professional Engineer in Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi.