Maxime A. Faget
A trail-blazer in an uncharted area, Dr. Faget is widely recognized for his distinguished career and his many significant contributions to the success of the United States' manned spacecraft program.
Except for three years in the U. S. Navy immediately following his graduation from LSU in 1943 with a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering, Max Faget has devoted his entire career to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and its predecessor, the National Advisory Committee for Astronautics. Having demonstrated his competence in research and development for various types of aircraft, Dr. Faget was named one of the original members of a small group selected in 1958 to establish this country's manned space flight program. This led to design responsibilities for the Mercury spacecraft. The capsules which successfully carried the astronauts during the Mercury and Apollo flights and returned them to earth were the product of his innovative concepts. He has authored thirty-six papers and articles on these subjects.
Today, Dr. Faget is director of engineering and development of the NASA Space Center in Houston, with the responsibility for directing the activity of the ten divisions that constitute its technological capabilities. In addition, he is actively associated with the planning of the space shuttle and other manned space flights.
Dr. Faget has received two honorary doctorates and numerous medals, awards, and citations for his achievements. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering.
