Gene Kranz

Eugene F. "Gene" Kranz (17 August, 1933–) is a retired NASA flight director and manager. Kranz, who served as a flight director during Project Gemini and Project Apollo, is best known for his trademark buzz-cut hairstyle and the wearing of white vests of different styles and materials whenever his "White Team" was on duty during missions, but was best known for his role in saving the crew of Apollo 13.

Feelings About Life After The Moon

Kranz felt that much of the 'human factor' unfortunately dried up after the moon landings, particularly due to the nation seeing the moon landings as a short-term goal against the Russians - and not much more. When asked if NASA is any different today compared to the years of the space race, he replied, "No. In many ways we have the young people, we have the talent, we have the imagination, we have the technology."

Related Topics:
NASA - Space race

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In April 2000, Kranz stated,

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"I believe we need a long-term national commitment to explore the universe. And I believe this is an essential investment in the future of our nation -- and our beautiful, but environmentally challenged planet."

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On January 14, 2004, Kranz' statement received an answer. Only ten days after the landing of Mars Exploration Rover Spirit, President George W. Bush announced the Vision for Space Exploration - a new space initiative to promote new goals for NASA that includes missions back to the moon and first-time manned missions to Mars.

Related Topics:
January 14 - 2004 - George W. Bush - Vision for Space Exploration - NASA - Mars

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