Milt Windler, a NASA flight director who played a crucial role in the Apollo 13 mission, passed away at age 94. Born in Hampton, Virginia, in 1932, Windler graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in aeronautical engineering. He worked at NACA's Langley Research Center before helping establish the Manned Spacecraft Center in Houston.
As a member of Mission Control during the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission, Windler and his fellow flight directors were awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Richard Nixon in 1970. After Skylab, he contributed to the space shuttle program and the development of the Canadarm. Windler later consulted on the International Space Station.
Reflecting on his career, he noted the intense nature of spaceflight, stating, "If I did it again, I'd probably try to do something more about trying to pay more attention." A memorial service is planned at a church in Friendswood, Texas. Windler is survived by his wife Betty and their three children and eight grandchildren.
Source: Ars Technica · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing