By Jacklet, Ben John Schumacher developed a revolutionary idea to lower the cost of solar power during the last oil crisis 33 years ago. Answering a call from the U.S. government for solar innovations, he invented a closed-loop, low-energy system to produce high-quality polysilicon for solar cells.

NASA -- NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe announced today John Schumacher would be appointed the agency Chief of Staff. Schumacher had served as NASA's Assistant Administrator for External Relations since June 1995. He replaces Courtney Stadd, who is returning to the private sector in July.