Short Wave The Man Who Shot The Moon
Aug 30, 2022
NASA's Artemis program aims to send humans back to the moon, igniting curiosity about what new scientific knowledge will emerge. Hal Walker, who pioneered the Lunar Laser Ranging experiment during the Apollo missions, shares how this groundbreaking work helped verify Einstein's theories. The narrative touches on his transition from military service to laser technology and mentors young black scientists. Challenges faced by African-American technicians in the space industry during the Apollo era are also highlighted, showcasing their vital contributions.
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Accidental Start
- Hal Walker's career began accidentally when he gave a friend a ride to a job interview at Douglas Aircraft.
- While waiting, an interviewer offered him a job installing and testing radar on planes, launching his career in aerospace.
From Radar to Lasers
- After working on radar systems, Hal Walker saw a newspaper ad for a company seeking engineers with radar experience.
- This company, Corad, was led by Theodore Maiman, inventor of the first working laser, which led to Hal's pivotal career shift.
Facing Discrimination
- As a rising engineer at Corad, Hal Walker prioritized hiring qualified African-American technicians.
- He faced pushback from personnel, reflecting the racial biases of the time.