Silverstein, Abe (1908–2001)
A leading figure in 20th-century aerospace engineering and director of the
Lewis Research Center (now the Glenn Research
Center) from 1961 to 1969. Silverstein earned a B.S. in mechanical engineering
(1929) and an M.E. (1934) from Rose Polytechnic Institute, and later received
an honorary doctorate from Case Institute of Technology. He began his career
with NASA's predecessor, NACA (the National
Advisory Committee for Aeronautics), at its Langley Research Center in 1929.
In 1943, he transferred to Lewis, where he carried out pioneering research
on large-scale ramjet engines. After World
War II, Silverstein conceived, designed, and built the first supersonic
propulsion wind tunnel in the United States. The 10 ft by 10 ft Supersonic
Wind Tunnel is still operational at Glenn. In 1958, Silverstein moved to
NACA Headquarters in Washington, D.C., where he helped create and then direct
efforts leading to the Mercury spaceflights.
He later named and laid the groundwork for the Apollo
missions that put the first man on the Moon. When he returned to Cleveland
to become Director of NASA Lewis, Silverstein was a driving force behind
the creation of the Centaur launch
vehicle, particularly the hydrogen-oxygen upper stage propulsion system.
He retired from NASA in 1970 to take a position with Republic Steel. In
1997, he was awarded the Guggenheim Medal for his "technical contributions
and visionary leadership in advancing technology of aircraft and propulsion
performance, and foresight in establishing the Mercury and Gemini manned
space flight activities."
Reference
- Dawson, Virginia P. Engines and Innovation: Lewis Laboratory and
American propulsion technology. Washinton, D.C.: NASA SP-4306 (1991).
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ENGINEERS AND SPACE SCIENTISTS
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