Background
Kleinknecht, Kenneth Samuel was born on July 24, 1919 in Washington, District of Columbia, United States. Son of Christian Frederick and Nell May (Barr) Kleinknecht.
Kleinknecht, Kenneth Samuel was born on July 24, 1919 in Washington, District of Columbia, United States. Son of Christian Frederick and Nell May (Barr) Kleinknecht.
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, 1942.
Project engineer, National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics Lewis Research Center, Cleveland, 1942-1951; aero research scientist, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Flight Research Center, Edwards Air Force Base, California, 1951-1959; successively manager Mercury Project, deputy manager Gemini Program, manager command and service modules, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Johnson Space Center, 1959-1970; manager Skylab Program,, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Johnson Space Center, 1970-1974; director flight operations, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Johnson Space Center, Houston, 1974-1976; assistant manager Orbiter Project, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Johnson Space Center, 1976-1977; head construction space shuttle orbiter, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Johnson Space Center, 1979-1981; deputy associate administrator for space transportation systems European operations to European Space Agency, Paris, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Headquarters, Washington, 1977-1979; manager program engineering, senior space transportation system technical adviser Denver division, Martin Marietta Aerospace, 1981-1983; manager manufacturing procurement and testing, Martin Marietta Aerospace, 1983-1984; director design to cost/productivity Space Station Project, Martin Marietta Aerospace, 1984-1988; manager laser project, Zenith Star Program, 1988-1990; retired, Zenith Star Program, 1990.
Executive board Sam Houston Area council Boy Scouts American, Houston, 1972-1977. Fellow American Astronomical Society (W. Randolph Lovelace II award 1975), American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (associate). Member International Academy Astronautics, Kiwanis, Masons (33rd degree).
Married Patricia Jean Todd, May 24, 1947. Children: Linda May, Patricia Ann, Frederick William.