Fred Pearce was a dedicated engineer whose career spanned the pioneering days of America's space exploration efforts. He began his journey with the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), which later evolved into the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Pearce played a significant role in the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs, contributing to the United States' ambitious endeavors to send humans into space and land them on the Moon. His expertise in guidance and control systems was crucial during these formative years of space travel. As NASA's focus shifted, Pearce became a part of the Space Task Group, where he continued to apply his knowledge and skills to the emerging challenges of space missions. His work extended beyond the confines of space vehicles as he ventured into the realm of virtual reality, collaborating with companies like G.E. and Farand to develop training systems. These systems were not only instrumental for astronaut training but also found applications in simulating the piloting of giant oil tankers. Pearce's career was marked by a commitment to innovation and the pursuit of knowledge, which he maintained until his retirement at the age of 69, prompted by a diagnosis of cutaneous lymphoma. Despite the challenges he faced, including the integration of scientific and engineering disciplines and the high demands of creating flawless components for the Space Station, Pearce's contributions to NASA and the field of space exploration remain significant.

Scope and Content Note
In this interview, Fred Pearce provides a detailed account of his illustrious career at NACA and NASA, where he made significant contributions to the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo space programs. Pearce recounts his experiences transitioning to the Space Task Group and the technical intricacies of developing guidance and control systems for space missions. He offers insights into the challenges faced during the Moon landings and the effects of the Manned Spacecraft Center's establishment in Houston on his family life and work routine. Pearce's narrative extends to his innovative work in virtual reality, where he collaborated with G.E. and Farand to create training systems that were later adapted for various simulation purposes, including the piloting of oil tankers. He shares anecdotes about his interactions with scientists during the development of lunar experiments and projects, highlighting the logistical difficulties and contractor relations. His role in the Earth Resource Program at the Johnson Space Center is also discussed, emphasizing his involvement in the development of multispectral cameras and the program's eventual transition to NASA Ames Research Center. The interview captures Pearce's reflections on the Shuttle Program, particularly the use of cameras and virtual reality in astronaut training. He speaks candidly about the profound impact of the Apollo 1 and Challenger tragedies on NASA's culture and operations. Pearce's retirement at 69 due to cutaneous lymphoma is mentioned, along with his thoughts on the integration of scientific and engineering disciplines, the pioneering work in virtual reality, and the regrettable discontinuation of the Earth Resource Program. He also touches upon his contributions to the Space Station's development, including the critical task of creating flawless windows for the structure.