Introduction
Chris Kraft Jr was an American aerospace engineer who played a significant role in the development of NASA’s human spaceflight program. Born and raised in Virginia, Kraft went on to study engineering at Virginia Tech and eventually joined NASA in 1958. Over the course of his career, Kraft served in a variety of roles, including flight director for the historic Apollo 11 mission that put the first humans on the moon.
Early Life and Education
Christopher Columbus Kraft Jr was born on February 28, 1924, in Phoebus, Virginia. He was the second child of Chris and Vanda Kraft, who ran a general store in the town. Kraft attended the local public schools before enrolling at Virginia Tech to study engineering.
After graduating in 1944, Kraft joined the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), which later became NASA. He began working as a research engineer at the Langley Research Center in Virginia, where he helped develop the X-15 rocket plane and other experimental aircraft.
NASA Career
In 1958, Kraft was selected to be part of the newly formed NASA Space Task Group, which was responsible for launching the first US manned spaceflight program. He quickly established himself as a key member of the team, and was eventually named flight director for the Mercury and Gemini missions.
In this role, Kraft was responsible for overseeing all aspects of the mission, including launch, rendezvous, and landing. He became known for his calm and steady demeanor, and his ability to make quick decisions under pressure.
Kraft’s most famous moment came in 1969, when he served as flight director for the Apollo 11 mission that put the first humans on the moon. He famously uttered the words “we’re go for landing” as the lunar module descended towards the surface.
Later Life and Legacy
After leaving NASA in 1982, Kraft became a consultant to the aerospace industry and served on several government panels related to space exploration. He also wrote a book about his experiences at NASA, titled “Flight: My Life in Mission Control.”
Kraft passed away on July 22, 2019, at the age of 95. He was remembered by colleagues and friends as a pioneer in the field of aerospace engineering, and a dedicated public servant who helped shape the course of human spaceflight.
Conclusion
Chris Kraft Jr was a towering figure in the world of aerospace engineering, whose contributions to NASA’s human spaceflight program will be remembered for generations to come. From his early work on experimental aircraft to his role as flight director for the Apollo 11 mission, Kraft’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of engineers and scientists.
