HOUSTON - Former NASA flight director Gene Kranz was honored Tuesday during Space Center Houston’s “To the Moon and Beyond” luncheon.
Kranz was presented with a City of Houston proclamation for his contributions to space exploration. Apollo flight directors Milton Windler and Gerry Griffin joined Kranz on stage in a reunion of the men who led the historic missions to the Moon.
The National Aerospace Hall of Fame member oversaw key moments of the Apollo missions. He served as flight director during the first lunar landing of Apollo 11 and during efforts to save the Apollo 13 crew. He became known for the phrase, “Failure is not an option.”
Photos: Gene Kranz honored at Space Center Houston luncheon
KHOU 11 News anchor Russ Lewis emceed the luncheon that featured more than 400 attendees
and raised $300,000 toward Space Center Houston’s $5 million goal to restore Historic Mission Control. The City of Webster gave Space Center Houston $3.5 million toward the goal.
Space Center Houston will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11’s lunar landing next year.