Robert R. Gilruth developed a strong interest in aviation at an early age and, with Charles Lindbergh's historic flight in 1927, resolved to enter the field of aeronautics. In 1936 he was awarded a Master of Science degree in aeronautical engineering and obtained a position with the National Advisory Committee (NACA) at Langley Field, Virginia. Initially, his principal work at NACA was in the field of stability, control and handling qualities of airplanes. In 1945, Dr. Gilruth was assigned the responsibility of organizing a research group and the construction of a facility at Wallops Island, Virginia. The group's investigations of flight in the transonic and supersonic speed range began with rocket-powered models. These responsibilities were later expanded to encompass research in hypersonic aerodynamics, high temperature structures, and dynamic loads. With the beginning of the space age and the creation of NASA, Dr. Gilruth was charged with the task of putting man in orbit around the earth (Project Mercury) as a first step in achieving the goal of lunar exploration. Subsequent to the success of Project Mercury in 1961, he was selected to organize and direct the Manned Spacecraft Center in Houston, Texas. He was responsible for the design and development of spacecraft, the selection and training of flight crews, and the planning and control of missions necessary to put a man on the moon (Project Apollo). In this role, Dr. Gilruth also conceived and directed the Gemini program, which tested spacecraft, rendezvous, docking, and flight control procedures in earth's orbit. The ultimate success of the Apollo manned lunar landings were directly attributable to Dr. Gilruth's courage to explore the unknown, his insistence on sound step-by-step advances, and his great qualities of leadership and technical expertise.
Inducted in 1992.
Portrait Location: Space Gallery