Robert J. Helberg
Robert Helberg | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1906 Seattle, Washington, U.S. |
| Education | University of Washington (BS) |
Robert J. Helberg (1906 – 1967) was an American aeronautical engineer who worked on several development projects for Boeing and NASA.
Early life and education
He was born in Watonga, Oklahoma. In 1932, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in aeronautical engineering from the University of Washington.
Career
After graduation, he worked at the Goss Humidity Control Company in Seattle. Three years later he left to work for the Boeing company.
Helberg's first work at Boeing was on the early
In 1950, he received a promotion to project engineer on an experimental version of a pilotless
In 1965 he was placed in charge of the company's Lunar Orbiter Program Office, as an assistant division manager in the Spacecraft Systems of the Boeing Space Division. He helped co-design two of the Lunar Orbiter spacecraft.
Personal life
By 1966 Helberg had developed a heart condition and was taking nitroglycerin tablets to treat the symptoms. In his later years, he lived with his wife Helen on a farm
in the Seattle area. His hobbies included fishing, duck hunting, poker, gardening, and raising trees at a nearby tree farm. He died of a heart attack in Seattle in 1967.
Honors
- For his contributions to the success of the Lunar Orbiter, he received the NASA Exceptional Public Service Medal
- Astronautics Engineer Award given by the National Space Club in 1966
- The crater Helberg on the Moon is named after him.
References
- Robert J. Sterling, Legend and Legacy, ISBN 0-312-05890-X.
External links
- SP-4308 Spaceflight Revolution — see chapter 10.