Winter 1997
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Winter 1997 |
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A Rose-Hulman alumnus who is considered to be a pioneer in space science has received another honor. Abe Silverstein ('29, '59HD) was recently presented with the prestigious Guggenheim Medal for his contributions to the advancement of flight. Others who have received the award include Orville Wright, William Boeing and Charles Lindbergh. Silverstein was associated with the United States aeronautics and aerospace programs for 40 years prior to his retirement in 1969. He helped plan the initial organization and programs of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Silverstein was NASA's first director of space flight programs. He managed Project Mercury which put the first Americans into space, and he played a key role in planning the Apollo missions that sent U.S. astronauts to the moon. Earlier in his career, Silverstein designed and helped build the nation's first supersonic propulsion wind tunnel which resulted in major advances in the development of World War II aircraft. Silverstein served for 20 years as the director of the NASA Lewis Research Center in Cleveland. During that period, the Center's staff worked on many major projects, including the Centaur launch vehicle used for early manned and unmanned flights prior to the first mission to the moon, and the Viking probe to Mars. Each year, the Abe Silverstein Award is given to a member of the Lewis Research Center staff who completes exceptional research that has practical applications. Silverstein, 89, still keeps up-to-date about the progress of NASA missions. He gives credit for his career success to being fortunate to have worked with talented colleagues at an important period in the development of aeronautics and aerospace. — by David Piker
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