Robert B. Wright

Foil: 64 Panel: 2 Column: 1 Line: 58

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Mr. Matt Bartlett

Robert B. Wright
Lockheed Corporation -- 43 Years
Bachelor of Science -- Business Management
Mr. Robert B. Wright, born 1935 in Long Island NY, began working for the Lockheed Corporation in 1955 in Van Nuys CA. Initially assigned to Lockheed Missiles & Space Company (LMSC), Mr. Wright started as a Tool Crib Attendant within the Polaris Missile & Army Air-to-Surface Missile Operations section. Mr. Wright quickly moved up to Draftsman where he designed Ground Support Equipment in support of numerous LMSC Projects.
As a Drafting Specialist, Mr. Wright was then reassigned to Lockheed’s Sunnyvale CA facility where he worked on the Hot Flow Test Stand, an ambitious LMSC project performing leading edge technical research & design of Solar Energy Cells. Mr. Wright was then promoted to the Agena Missile Design Group, a crucial component of the Gemini Space Program, where he worked specifically on the Mate equipment portion of the Agena Missile. During the Gemini Program, the Agena Missile system was an integral element in the development of space rendezvous and docking procedures – critical elements permitting the follow-on Apollo Program to reach the moon in the coming decade.
Mr. Wright was then promoted to Senior Design Specialist for the Polaris Missile Program, where he designed a tape recorder shock mount assembly within the equipment section, supporting final testing of the US Navy’s first operational submarine-launched Intercontinental Ballistic Missile.
In 1969, Mr. Wright was promoted within the Lockheed Aircraft Company (LAC) to Liaison Engineer assigned to the L-1011 TriStar Program, Palmdale CA. Mr. Wright co-authored the Liaison Repair and Stress Manuals, essential elements supporting delivery of Lockheed’s most modern passenger airliner to customers worldwide. While at Lockheed’s Palmdale facility, Mr. Wright also supported NASA’s Space Shuttle program, specifically working with the Space Shuttle Engineering office to complete a Stress Test Analysis Program, unique to the Challenger vehicle. While assigned to Lockheed’s Palmdale Program Office as Liaison to Executive Vice President Office, his aggressive management ensured the L-1011 TriStar, the US Navy’s P-3 Orion and S-3A Viking, and the US Air Force’s F-117 Stealth Fighter programs all remained on schedule throughout production. Additionally, Mr. Wright also conducted exterior surface paint operations on the US Air Force SR-71A and B-1B programs.
In 1989, Mr. Wright was assigned to Lockheed Space Operations Company (LSOC), Cape Kennedy FL, in support of the Space Shuttle Program. Initially assigned as Deputy Director, then Director, Ground Support Equipment, Shops and Labs, Mr. Wright was responsible for the all pre- and post-launch support of Space Shuttle operations from 1989 to 1998. Mr. Wright was specifically responsible for all post launch handling, processing, and transportation of the space vehicle, including landing operations and all contingency operations to include world-wide emergency landing support. During any contingency operations, Mr. Wright was responsible for the transportation of the shuttle vehicle to Cape Kennedy using NASA’s modified Boeing 747 and associated mate/de-mate equipment. Of particular note, Mr. Wright identified a need to modify NASA’s Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) to optimize operations, adding an additional processing facility through the expansion of VAB High Bay 3.
After 43 years of honorable service with the Lockheed Corporation across a wide spectrum of programs, Mr. Wright retired in 1998 and currently lives near Seattle WA with his wife Virginia.