William E. "Gene" Rice is a distinguished figure in the history of space exploration, having contributed significantly to NASA's endeavors during a pivotal era. Recruited in 1962 by a former colleague, Rice's early responsibilities at NASA included managing the Lunar Module descent engine, a critical component of the Apollo missions. His expertise and leadership later expanded to overseeing the fuel cell and reactant system for the Lunar Module, a testament to his technical acumen and project management skills. Rice's career trajectory at NASA saw him rise to the position of Chief of the Power Generation Branch, where he was instrumental in advancing the research and development of spacecraft power systems. His notable achievements in this role include the successful development of a new, more efficient, and lighter fuel cell for the Space Shuttle program. Beyond his technical contributions, Rice's tenure at NASA was marked by the cultivation of trust and teamwork, both within the agency and with its contractors, a factor he credits as vital to the success of the missions he was involved in. After his illustrious career at NASA, Rice continued to apply his expertise in the field of aeronautics with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Scope and Content Note
The interview with William E. Rice provides a comprehensive overview of his extensive career at NASA and his contributions to various space programs. Rice delves into his work on the Apollo Spacecraft Program, detailing the intense environment and the collaborative efforts that led to the program's historic achievements. He shares insights into the development and testing of the SNAP-27 radioisotope thermoelectric generator for the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiment Package (ALSEP) and his management of testing and construction facilities for the Shuttle program. Rice also reflects on his involvement with the Earth Resources Program Office, highlighting his role in the Large Area Crop Inventory Experiment (LACIE), which utilized Landsat data to estimate wheat production in the Soviet Union. His tenure at NASA also included significant roles in the Space and Life Sciences and Medical Sciences divisions, where he tackled the challenges of developing new experimental processes and addressed space adaptation syndrome in astronauts. Furthermore, Rice's work extended to lunar and planetary sciences, the AgRISTARS program, and international negotiations for the International Space Station, underscoring the multifaceted nature of his career. The interview concludes with Rice discussing the broader implications of his work, including the challenges of the Space Station program and his post-NASA career with the FAA.