Finding Aid for the John W. Kiker Papers (HSF-21)

Abstract

The John W. Kiker Papers is composed of correspondence, technical notes, technical records, memorandums, reports, studies, meeting minutes, historical information, design documents, concept drawings, charts, mechanical prints, and miscellaneous materials, that were either collected, created, or used by John W. Kiker during his professional career at NASA. Kiker worked at NASA with the Space Task Group and the Manned Spacecraft Center (later Johnson Space Center) from 1960 to 1979, with much of his time as assistant chief or chief of various mechanical and landing systems branches. Most of his work was related to development of emergency escape equipment, descent and deceleration systems, and parachute systems, for spacecraft. He is most known for contributing to the design and development of the Gemini and Apollo spacecraft parachute landing systems; and for developing the landing and docking systems for the lunar and command modules for the Apollo Program. His most well-known contribution was his proposal and design for the Space Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) to transport the Shuttle orbiter on the back of a modified 747 aircraft. The materials in the collection largely document the operations, development, and history of the systems Kiker worked on for NASA.