Rodney G. Rose's career in aviation and aerospace engineering is marked by his early fascination with model airplanes and his formal education in aeronautical engineering. His professional journey began at Supermarine, Vickers-Armstrong Supermarine, and later at AVRO Canada, where he contributed to the design and testing of aircraft such as the Supermarine Swift and the iconic AVRO Arrow. Rose's work was characterized by his involvement with cutting-edge technologies, including fly-by-wire control systems and real-time telemetry. Despite the abrupt cancellation of the AVRO Arrow project in 1959, which resulted in widespread layoffs, Rose was retained to contribute to the development of supersonic transatlantic airliners. His career took a significant turn when he joined NASA, where he played a pivotal role in the early days of manned space flight. Rose's expertise was instrumental in the Little Joe project, which included memorable flights with trained primates like Sam the Monkey. Rose's tenure at NASA saw him deeply involved in the Mercury and Gemini programs, where he worked on the development of the paraglider system for Gemini and tackled the challenges associated with these pioneering space endeavors. His contributions extended to the Apollo program, where he addressed radiation constraints, flight operations plans, and the critical Apollo 10 mission that helped understand lunar mass concentrations. Throughout the Apollo program, Rose experienced both the professional challenges of space exploration and the personal sacrifices it demanded, including the impact on family life. His commitment continued through the Skylab and Shuttle programs, where he addressed issues such as radiation, collision avoidance, and improved communication between test ranges. Rose's career highlights include his work on the Space Shuttle's external tank design, addressing ground track considerations for Shuttle flights over Australia, and managing the risks posed by space debris. He was part of a group of AVRO engineers who became U.S. citizens to contribute to NASA's efforts, participating in the Apollo program and the development of the Space Shuttle. Rose's dedication to space exploration is underscored by his belief in its long-term importance for the survival of humankind and his advocacy for a balance between specialized expertise and big-picture thinking in the field.

Scope and Content Note
The interview with Rodney G. Rose provides a comprehensive overview of his extensive career in aviation and aerospace engineering, from his early passion for model airplanes to his significant contributions to the field of manned space flight. Rose recounts his educational background in aeronautical engineering and his subsequent work at Supermarine, Vickers-Armstrong Supermarine, and AVRO Canada, where he was integral to the design and testing of aircraft such as the Supermarine Swift and the AVRO Arrow. He details the advanced technologies he worked with, including fly-by-wire control systems and real-time telemetry. Rose discusses the impact of the AVRO Arrow project's cancellation in 1959 and his transition to NASA, where he was involved in the Little Joe project and the Mercury and Gemini programs. He speaks about the development of the paraglider system for Gemini, the challenges faced, and the alternative parasail concept. The interview covers Rose's role in the Gemini and Apollo programs, addressing radiation constraints, flight operations plans, and the significance of the Apollo 10 mission. He shares his experiences with the Apollo program, including the emotional resonance of Apollo 11, the integration of operations and engineering, and the transition to the Skylab and Shuttle programs. Rose reflects on the personal sacrifices made during the Apollo program, his efforts in improving communication between test ranges, and the design considerations for the Space Shuttle's external tank. He emphasizes the long-term importance of space exploration for humanity's survival and the need for a balance between specialized expertise and big-picture thinking in aerospace endeavors. The interview also touches on the collective efforts of AVRO engineers who became U.S. citizens to contribute to NASA's missions, their pride in the space program, and the challenges of working with limited resources. Rose concludes with thoughts on the Apollo program's legacy, the importance of teamwork, and his hopes for the future of space exploration.