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Among the many challenges facing the pioneers of the U.S. space program was the development of an effective communications system. In 1958 in answer to the launch of Russia’s Sputnik satellite, a small group of U.S Signal Corps engineers was charged with creating America’s first space electronics organization. Later that year it went on to help produce the first communications satellite carrying the tape-recorded message of peace from President Dwight D. Eisenhower. From that moment to the broadcast of Neil Armstrong’s message of “one small step for man…”, communications played a critical role in the success of America’s space program, and contributed significantly to developments in the navigation and other information devices we enjoy today. George Krassner, a member of this Signal Corps, is a recognized pioneer in the American space program. He designed the electronics for the world's first communication and weather satellites and for the fuel control system in the command module of the Apollo spacecraft. He wrote the first book on space communications, worked with the original seven astronauts, and teamed with Dr. Wernher von Braun on a top secret moon project. Mr. Krassner will share insider stories, secrets, and goofs in the infant years of the space program, and display souvenirs, photos, and space program memorabilia. He holds an MS in Engineering from the University of Michigan, and an MBA from the University of Chicago. He was president of several technology corporations, and has served on the Board of companies in the U.S., Canada, England, and India.

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