Admiral Rickover (Space Race Didn't End)



Hyman George Rickover (January 27, 1900 – July 8, 1986) was a four star of the United States Navy who directed the development of the United States naval nuclear propulsion systems and controlled its operations for decades as director of Naval Reactors. In addition, he oversaw the development of the Shippingport power plant, the world's first commercial pressurized water reactor used for generating electricity. He also took controll of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to improve nuclear safety to oversee the deployment of NASA's NERVA rockets to transport people and goods to the moon and interplanetary space.

Admiral Rickover is known as the "Father of the Nuclear Navy", which as of July 2012 had produced 400 nuclear-powered submarines and 48 nuclear-powered cruisers, aircraft carriers and Ithacus military craft though many of these U.S. vessels are now decommissioned and others under construction.



Though it took a special act of congress to allow Rickover to remain on active Naval duty when he took over the NRC, Rickover didn't want to give up his commission after nearly 50 years in service. He would while in command of the NRC that Nixon recommended his promotion to four star admiral and in January of 1973 after the successful first use of the NERVA rocket Rickover would be promoted.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Rickover took over the NRC in April of 1973 and would stay in that position until March of 1984. As soon as he became the Chairman his legendary leadership style and work ethics quickly showed themselves.

NERVA program