Frank E. Rom

Frank E. Rom, Sr., NASA Scientist (1926 - 2012)

Frank E. Rom, Sr. was born in Brooklyn, New York, the son of Austrian immigrants. He was educated in the New York Public School System, attended the Cooper Union School and served in the Navy during WW II. He graduated from Cornell University with both his Bachelors and Master Degrees in Engineering and then joined NACA at the Lewis (now Glenn) Research Center in Cleveland in 1948.

His 25 year career at NACA/NASA put him in contact with many of the early pioneers of aviation, aerospace and physics. His primary work was as a theoretician focusing on nuclear propulsion systems for airplanes and manned interplanetary rockets. Among his major contributions was the conception and feasibility of a tungsten-based gas-core nuclear reactor for interplanetary exploratory missions, especially to Mars. His work with nuclear propulsion encompassed all aspects of fission materials, reactor size, structure and weight, airflow, power output, shielding, survivability and nuclear waste. Upon termination of the nuclear airplane and rocket programs, Mr. Rom envisioned other applications for nuclear propulsion including air cushion, surface-effect vehicles (hovercrafts) for potential use in trans-oceanic shipping. In 1973, during the first energy crunch and OPEC oil embargo, Mr. Rom was involved in a program to help NASA become an energy agency focusing on solar, wind and tidal flow, bio-mass and all forms of alternative energy sources. He was also instrumental in the growth of the NASA Plum Brook Reactor Facility in Sandusky, Ohio, developing applications for nuclear energy in research and alternative technologies. Mr. Rom authored or co-authored numerous scientific papers and journal articles and held several patents on gas-core nuclear propulsion systems and related technologies. He was an active member of several aviation and aerospace societies. After his retirement from NASA, Mr. Rom founded Rom-Aire Solar Energy Products Company based on his patented designs of air-based solar heating and collecting systems for both new and existing home applications. He later attained his Professional Engineering (PE) certification. Frank highly valued personal character and individual responsibility, a sound education, a love of music, and an interest in all things, especially those that would be of benefit to others.

Frank and his wife of 62 years, Marilyn, led active church lives and together they raised a family of seven children. Mr. Rom's other interests included boating, sailing, fishing, travel, good conversation and spending the summers at their Kelley's Island, Ohio home. Frank and Marilyn had 21 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. Frank E. Rom, Sr. passed away on November 4, 2012 and is buried in Venice, Florida.