Smithton man to share space program insight

H. H. “Luge” Luetjen, 83, of Smithton, will be in Cole Camp on Monday to speak about early space exploration and space programs.

On May 5, 1961, Luetjen had a hand in launching the first American into space, Alan Shepard.

Luetjen was a launch operations manager at Cape Canaveral, where he participated in the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo and Skylab space programs. 

Luetjen graduated from Smithton High School in 1943. He received a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla in 1950 and was a faculty member there for about a year. 

Soon after leaving the university, Luetjen went to work for McDonnell Aircraft at Cape Canaveral, Fla.

Luetjen helped open the Cape Canaveral office in 1959.

Luetjen experienced a number of historical events in space. 

He personally knew three astronauts who died on Jan. 27, 1967, when Apollo caught on fire.

“It was difficult for everyone,” Luetjen said.

Luetjen was in Florida during the launch of Apollo 11 on July 16, 1969, which enabled astronaut Neil Armstrong to be the first person to step foot on the moon.

Luetjen also was involved with the Skylab program, America’s first experimental space station, in 1974.

Luetjen said that people need to support the space program.

“Many medical techniques of today had their origins in the space program,” Luetjen said. 

Since retiring in 1990, Luetjen has been speaking about his experiences and early space exploration.

The Cole Camp Area Historical Society is sponsoring the presentation at 7 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church.

Lillie Stelling, secretary for the Cole Camp Area Historical Society, is expecting more than 25 people to attend. She said it’s open to the public.