John Houbolt

John Houbolt was an American aerospace engineer who played a key role in NASA's Apollo program. He championed the "Lunar Orbit Rendezvous" (LOR) approach, a strategy that involved sending a small lunar module to the Moon, which would then dock with a larger spacecraft orbiting above. This method proved more efficient and cost-effective than alternatives. Houbolt’s advocacy was initially overlooked but eventually convinced NASA leaders to adopt LOR, significantly contributing to the successful Apollo moon landings. His innovative thinking and persistence earned him recognition as a vital figure in space exploration history.