After three decades working as a senior correspondent for NBC
news, award-winning journalist Fred Francis has joined NASA as a
special consultant.

Francis will assist the agency in developing communication tools
and strategies as the agency moves closer to Return to Flight and
the launch of the Space Shuttle Discovery for STS-114.

“Francis has impeccable credentials as both a journalist and as
an effective communicator,” said Assistant Administrator for
Public Affairs Glenn Mahone. “We’re fortunate to have him as part
of our team as we get closer to returning the Space Shuttle to
safe flight. His creative storytelling approach and insight are
valuable assets as we move forward with sharing this important
story.”

Francis was a senior correspondent for NBC News and most recently
was based at the network’s bureau in Washington. He reported
inside Iraq before and during the war.

For most of his career with NBC News, Francis focused his work on
national security, military and diplomatic issues, primarily for
“NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw.”