Robert R. Gilruth
From The Space Library
Robert R. Gilruth, was Director, NASA Manned Spacecraft Center. Born Nashwauk, Minn. Joined NACA Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory in 1936 working in aircraft stability and Control. Organized Pilotless Aircraft Research Division for transonic and supersonic flight research, 1945; appointed Langley Laboratory assistant director, 1952; named to manage manned space flight program, later named Project Mercury, 1958; named director of NASA Manned Spacecraft Center,1961. BS and MS in aeronautical engineering from University of Minnesota; held numerous honorary doctorate degrees. Fellow of the Institute of Aerospace Sciences, American Rocket Club and the American Astronautical Society. Holder of numerous professional society, industry and government awards and honorary memberships.
