Christopher C. Kraft
American aerospace engineer (1924-2019) · United States · On the map · Scientists · Died at 95
Christopher Columbus Kraft Jr. was an American aerospace and NASA engineer who was instrumental in establishing the agency's Mission Control Center and shaping its organization and culture. His protégé Glynn Lunney said in 1998: "the Control Center today ... is a reflection of Chris Kraft".
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2019Died22 July 20192016National Aviation Hall of FameAward1994Theodore von Kármán AwardAward1988International Space Hall of FameAward1981NASA Distinguished Service MedalAward1973ASME MedalAward1971Theodore Roosevelt AwardAward1969NASA Distinguished Service MedalAward1924Born28 February 1924
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Photos 10
Mission Control Center as it was during Project Mercury
Kraft works at his console inside the Flight Control area of the Mercury Control Center.
Chris Kraft (seated) confers with Walt Williams and others during Mercury-Atlas 9.
During Gemini 5, Kraft (seated at center of console) confers with flight controllers and astronauts. Malfunctioning fuel cells nearly forced the early end of the mission.
Chris Kraft and Robert R. Gilruth pictured in Mission Control Center
Kraft with his new flight directors before the Gemini 4 mission. (Clockwise from lower right: Kraft, Gene Kranz, Glynn Lunney and John Hodge).
Kraft shows President Ronald Reagan around Mission Control during the STS-2 mission in 1981.Awards
About this person
Country
United States
Category
Scientists
Type
Scientist
Status
Deceased
Dates
Lived 1924 to 2019 · aged 95
