Kenneth A. Young is a distinguished figure in the field of aerospace, particularly known for his contributions to NASA's spaceflight missions. Young earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 1962. His career at NASA began shortly thereafter, where he served in various capacities at the NASA Manned Spacecraft Center, which later became the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Initially, he worked as an Aerospace Technician in the Earth Rendezvous Section of the Mission Analysis Branch within the Flight Operations Division (FOD) in 1962. Throughout his tenure at NASA, Young held several key positions. He was an Aerospace Technician in the Lunar Rendezvous Section and the Rendezvous Mechanics Section. His expertise in rendezvous mechanics led him to the Mission Design Section of the Orbital Mission Analysis Branch within the Mission Planning and Analysis Division (MPAD), where he eventually became the head of the section from 1968 to 1971. Young's leadership continued as he became the Head of the Orbital Design Section in the Mission Integration Branch from 1972 to 1976, followed by his role as the Head of the Flight Design Integration Section in the Flight Planning Branch until 1981. He was also the Manager of the Shuttle-STS Flight Design Office. Young's work was recognized with several awards, including the Superior Achievement Award from the Johnson Space Center in 1979 and the NASA Exceptional Service Medal in 1980. After retiring from NASA in 1987, he continued his work in the aerospace sector with Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC) in Houston, Texas, where he was involved with the HEDS Independent Quality Assurance Office at the Johnson Space Center. His contributions to spaceflight are also documented in his publications, such as the "Launch window analysis for AAP Earth orbit rendezvous" and "Apollo Lunar Rendezvous."

Scope and Content Note
June 6, 2001: This interview with Kenneth A. Young provides a comprehensive overview of his engineering career at NASA, focusing on his contributions to the Gemini and Apollo space programs. Young recounts his educational background in aeronautical engineering at the University of Texas and his subsequent early work at NASA, where he was involved in mission planning and analysis. He shares insights into the technical challenges of space rendezvous during the Gemini missions, highlighting the efforts of colleagues like Buzz Aldrin and Ed Lineberry in refining these techniques. Young also delves into the meticulous process of mission planning, which included simulations and the development of both nominal and contingency plans. He proudly recounts his role in the creation of launch targeting equations for the Space Shuttle and his successful mission to recover two satellites in orbit. The interview touches on the strategic decision to adopt lunar orbit rendezvous for the Apollo missions, the technical and psychological hurdles of Apollo 7 and Apollo 8, and the intense competition with the Soviet Union during the space race. Young reflects on the devastating Apollo 1 fire and its impact on NASA. Additionally, Young shares personal anecdotes from his time working on Apollo missions 9 through 11, his experiences with the Shuttle program, and his efforts to dispel moon landing conspiracy theories during an educational talk with high school students. Throughout the interview, Young addresses and refutes skepticism surrounding the moon landings, reinforcing the authenticity of NASA's achievements.

June 13, 2001: This interview with Ken Young, a former NASA employee, provides a comprehensive overview of his extensive involvement in various space missions, including the Apollo and Skylab programs, as well as his experiences with international collaboration and mission planning. Young recounts the precision landing on the moon, the technical and logistical challenges encountered during the Skylab mission, and the contingency planning for potential rescue missions. He shares a vivid memory of witnessing the Saturn V launch and details the difficulties that arose during Skylab's operation. Young discusses the internal debates at NASA regarding Skylab's purpose, the proposal to equip Skylab with a propulsion system, and his work on the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project (ASTP), highlighting the technical and cultural exchanges with Russian engineers. He provides anecdotes, such as being followed by KGB agents in Moscow and the impact of the Indian birth rate on the Apollo-Soyuz docking due to satellite movement. The interview also covers the reentry of Skylab in 1979, the public and media reactions, and the challenges of predicting its reentry path. Young reflects on his role in mission planning, including designing safety systems for the Space Shuttle and his involvement in secret Department of Defense missions. Young offers insights into the evolution of NASA's culture, the shift from manual calculations to computer reliance, and the changing dynamics of teamwork and bureaucracy. He expresses concerns about the slow adoption of automated systems and the complexities of the Space Station project. The interview concludes with Young's thoughts on the future of space technology and his appreciation for the opportunity to share his experiences.