Escaping Gravity: My Quest to Transform NASA and Launch a New Space Age

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Escaping Gravity is a firsthand account by former NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver, detailing how a group of innovators challenged the political patronage and bureaucracy that hindered the space agency. The emergence of commercial space ventures like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic was built on decades of effort from what Garver refers to as "space pirates." Their mission to reform NASA placed Garver at the center of conflicts with Congress, the aerospace industry, and celebrated astronauts who sought to protect their interests within a long-standing system. As the leader of the NASA transition team for President-elect Barack Obama and the agency's second-in-command, Garver championed policies and funding that fostered commercial competition during a time when private sector capabilities were advancing. Her goal was to create more valuable programs by disrupting the entrenched space-industrial complex that prioritized job security and contracts over innovation. This shift led to increased efficiency and progress in the space sector. Featuring insider conversations and insights, the narrative illustrates how the US space industry has evolved into a global leader, providing a blueprint for achieving meaningful change.