Student Research Symposium Program Portal: Submission #165

Abstract Eugene F. Kranz is widely regarded as a defining leadership figure in the early era of human spaceflight, most notably through his work as a NASA flight director during the Gemini and Apollo programs. This research focuses on Kranz’s leadership biography to understand how his professional experiences and personal values shaped decision-making within Mission Control. Using publicly available NASA documentation, historical accounts of the Apollo missions, and leadership analyses centered on Apollo 13, the research explores the principles that guided Kranz’s approach, including accountability, discipline, empowerment of team members, and an uncompromising commitment to safety. The study highlights how Kranz emphasized shared responsibility and structured problem-solving, especially during high-risk and time-critical situations. Rather than focusing on individual authority, his leadership style relied on working together with expert teams and maintaining clarity under pressure. The study demonstrates that Kranz’s leadership legacy offers practical lessons for engineering and systems leadership, particularly in environments where technical complexity and risk are well experienced.