Rotary National Award for Space Achievement Foundation – Gene Kranz Named 2007 RNASA Space Trophy Winner
Floyd Bennett, President of the Rotary National Award for Space Achievement (RNASA) Foundation of Houston, Texas is pleased to announce that the Foundation’s National Board of Advisors has selected Eugene F. “Gene” Kranz to receive its highest honor, the National Space Trophy for 2007. The award has been presented annually for the past 21 years to an individual who has excelled in furthering national goals in the field of space.
Mr. Kranz’s citation reads: “For outstanding achievements in his pivotal role in the development of flight control operations for all NASA manned space flights. World renowned for his resolve during the Apollo 13 trans-lunar abort rescue, failure was never an option.” — Joseph P. Kerwin, former Astronaut and President Wyle Labs (Retired).
Dr. Christopher C. Kraft, Jr., former Director of NASA Johnson Space Center and a previous winner of the National Space Trophy, stated: “Gene Kranz has been one of the leading contributors to the exploration of space since the beginning of the space program in the U.S. He has been prominent throughout his career in developing the concepts of flight control and is particularly known for his leadership and development of the flight control teams upon which human space flight depended for its success. He is most famous for the large roll he played in the rescue of Apollo 13. Kranz continues to be a bulwark in the space flight world and has lent his expertise to many groups throughout the country by providing advice on how to motivate people.”
The 2006 Trophy winner and RNASA advisor Eileen Collins said, “Gene is a role model, a leader, and an inspiration to us all, regardless of our chosen paths in life. He has proven that tough and focused leadership can achieve seemingly impossible goals. He will always hold an esteemed place in the history of space exploration!”
Mr. Kranz will receive his trophy at the RNASA annual banquet to be held on Friday, April 20, 2007, at the Hyatt Regency Houston. Former NBC news correspondent and host of the Today Show, Jim Hartz, will serve as MC, and Dr. Kraft will present the trophy to Mr. Kranz. Corporate tickets can be obtained though Bill Taylor at sales@rnasa.org . Biographical data, reservation and program sponsorship forms are available on the website http://www.rnasa.org . Photos are posted online at: http://www.rnasa.org/press.htm
