Space missions are a careful balance of responsibilities between the astronauts in space, and those who assist them on the ground. Without both working together, America's greatest space achievements would not have been possible. In moments such as the first moon landing and the Apollo 13 crisis, the people of NASA Mission Control have proven over and over that they were ready for the unexpected challenges and real-time decisions of the space program. However good the technology, in the end the right person at the right moment, making the right decision, is crucial. Invited to accept on behalf of the entire mission control team is Glynn Lunney who was an employee of NASA from its creation in 1958, and a key figure from the Mercury missions through to the Space Shuttle era, including overseeing the first international space mission. During the Apollo 13 crisis, Lunney and his team faced the challenge of having to power up the lunar module, while transferring guidance and navigation data to it from the dying command module. His excellent memory and quick thinking were critical in the success of his team during the ensuing hours. Perhaps the most well-known of the Flight Directors because of his portrayal in the movie "Apollo 13," Gene Kranz was also the Flight Director for the critical Apollo 11 lunar landing, plus many other key moments in human space exploration. Milt Windler began working with NASA in 1959 on Project Mercury, serving as a Flight Director for Apollo and Slylab missions before working on Space Shuttle operations. He was one of the team credited for the safe return of the Apollo 13 crew. Gerry Griffin served as Lead Flight Director for three lunar landing missions: Apollo 12, 15 and 17, and made vital contributions to the survival of the Apollo 13 crew. Chris Kraft was NASA's first Flight Director and responsible for shaping Mission Control from the very beginning and overseeing some of NASA's finest moments.
Inducted in 2013.
Portrait Location: Space Gallery

Induction Video