The National Air and Space Society's 2018 Vice Adm. Donald D. Engen Flight Jacket Night lecture featured aerospace engineer, fighter pilot, and Apollo program flight director Eugene Kranz.

Throughout his distinguished career, Eugene Kranz played a critical role in many milestones in America’s space program, serving as flight director for Apollo 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, and 17. A native of Toledo, Ohio, he served in the U.S. Air Force in South Korea, and then worked for McDonnell Aircraft before responding to a “help wanted” advertisement from NASA. He joined the newly formed Space Task Group and worked in the Flight Control Operations Branch. When the Manned Spacecraft Center (now Johnson Space Center) opened in Houston, Texas, Kranz became chief of the Flight Control Operations Branch and then served as Gemini flight director. After his work on the Apollo program, he was the flight operations director during the Skylab program. Kranz was promoted to deputy director of Flight Operations and then to director of Mission Operations. He retired from NASA in 1994.

The lecture is for members of the Museum's National Air and Space Society and their guests. Become a member today. There is no charge to attend, but advance reservations are required and seating is limited. Reserve your ticket now. 

There will also be a buffet reception before the lecture for Society members at the Mercury Friendship 7 level and higher. For more information, email nasmmembership@si.edu or call 202.633.2603. Flight jacket optional.