Pat D.

I'm a veteran Public Radio reporter and have carved a niche for myself as NPR's "go to guy" regarding NASA and the world's manned space effort.

I also have a new book coming out in October of 2007. It's called "Final Countdown: NASA and the End of the Space Shuttle Program", published by University Press of Florida. Along with the past, present, and future of NASA, it includes things like photos I took of the wreckage of Space Shuttle Columbia the day NASA investigators decided falling foam from the External Fuel Tank hit the Shuttle's right hand wing, leading to the break-up of he vehicle. I'll include an occasional photo from Kennedy Space Center when I can.

The cover art is my default picture. If you're wondering what I "really" look like. You can find that in my photo album.


As a bonafide "Air Force Kid", my family and I moved to Florida from Alaska (BRRR!) in 1971. Just in time to watch Walt Disney World change the face of Central Florida (for good or for bad depends on who you talk to--my wife and I like it), and to witness the last gasp of the Apollo moon landings. I remember stepping into my backyard to watch Apollo 14 blast off with "Right Stuff" Astronaut Alan Shepard as part of the crew.

Space stuff aside, I collect art, love cooking and travelling.

More to come--

PDD