Gene Kranz

space explorer · mission control · Apollo · hero

Master of the Moon. Gene Kranz was NASA's Chief Flight Director who directed the historic Apollo 11 mission, which landed humans on the moon for the very first time in 1969. He sat in Mission Control and made crucial decisions that guided astronauts safely to the lunar surface and back home.

Saved Apollo 13. When the Apollo 13 spacecraft had a serious oxygen problem in space, Gene Kranz led his Mission Control team to figure out how to bring the astronauts safely back to Earth. His quick thinking and calm leadership during this dangerous emergency made him a true hero.

The Vest Guy. Gene Kranz was famous for wearing fancy waistcoats of different styles to his important missions, each one specially made by his wife, Marta. He paired them with his signature flat-top haircut, making him instantly recognizable in Mission Control.

Three Great Programs. During his career, Gene Kranz was the flight director for three of NASA's biggest space programs: Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo. Each one taught scientists and engineers how to eventually reach the moon.

Problem Solver Supreme. Gene Kranz was an aerospace engineer who could think fast and stay calm under pressure, which is exactly what you need when you are directing missions to space. His skills helped shape how NASA conducts missions today.