Doug Cooke

Douglas R. Cooke is a former NASA Associate Administrator for Exploration Systems Mission Directorate. He was responsible for managing the development of flight hardware systems for exploration missions beyond low Earth orbit. He previously held management positions in the Space Shuttle, Space Station, and Exploration Programs.

Cooke is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering.

Cooke worked for thirty eight years at NASA’s Johnson Space Center (JSC) and NASA Headquarters, in positions including the Space Shuttle, Space Station, and Exploration Programs. He was involved in the development of an entry aerodynamic flight test program for the Space Shuttle, starting in 1975. In 1984, he took over the Analysis office of the Space Station Program, contributing to the configuration of what was to become the International Space Station (ISS).

Cooke served as NASA technical advisor to the Columbia Accident Investigation Board from the time of the accident to the publishing of the report. After the Challenger accident, he lead a team of civil servants and contractors in providing the system engineering and integration integral to the return of the Space Shuttle to flight on 29 September 1988. Afterwards, he became of NASA’s leaders in planning for future space exploration. He was responsible for the so-called "90 Day Study" on lunar and Mars exploration and a study for the White House entitled "America at the Threshold: America's Space Exploration Initiative." Cooke became the Manager of the Exploration Programs Office and initiated and led studies about a return to the Moon and exploration of Mars.

From 1993, Cooke led the engineering and technical aspects of the redesign. He was then chosen to become Vehicle Manager in the Space Station Program Office, respeonsible for the management of the hardware development and systems engineering and integration for the station. Eventually, he became Deputy Manager of the Space Station Program.

Cooke was NASA’s Associate Administrator for the Office of Exploration Systems Mission Directorate between 2008 and 2011. The office develops hardware systems for missions in space, as well as on the moon, asteroids or Mars. In his last year at NASA, Cooke led the directorate and program teams in the analysis, design and establishment of the Orion Multipurpose Crew Vehicle and the Space Launch System. He presented the proposals at agency level meetings for NASA Administrator approval. Cooke postponed his retirement until 3 October 2011, when the consolidation of ESMD and the Space Operations Mission Directorates was complete.

On 9 October 2015, Cooke testified before the House Subcommittee on Space. Cooke and Dan Dumbacher explained, that budget uncertainties were harmful to the space programs. Cooke described the technical challenges as "fun in comparison and engineers can solve them".

As of 2017, Cooke is an independent adviser to the aerospace community and owner of Cooke Concepts and Solutions. He advises on company and program strategies, program management, proposal development, strategic planning and technical matters.

• SES Presidential Distinguished Rank Award - 2006
• SES Presidential Meritorious Rank Award - 1998
• NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal - 2003
• NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal - 2002
• NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal - 1997
• NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal - 1993
• NASA Exceptional Service Medal - 1988
• JSC Certificate of Commendation - 1986
• JSC Certificate of Commendation - 1983

Most recently he was awarded the Texas A&M Outstanding Aerospace Engineer Alumni Award.