Robert J. Helberg

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Robert J. Helberg (1906 – 1967) was an American aeronautical engineer.

He was born in Watonga, Oklahoma. In 1932 he earned a degree in aeronautical engineering from the University of Washington. After graduation he went to work at the Goss Humidity Control Company in Seattle. Three years later he left to work for the Boeing company.

Bob's first work at Boeing was on the early YB-17 model of the Flying Fortress. He followed this by work on the Model 307 transport, then on additional models of the B-17. In 1942 he became group engineer on the B-29's electrical systems. By 1946 he was senior group engineer, working on the C-97 Stratofreighter's electrical systems.

In 1950 he received a promotion to project engineer on an experimental version of a pilotless B-47 Stratojet. (This program was designated Project Brass Ring.) Around 1955 he joined the Bomarc Missile Program, a pilotless interceptor. He worked on this program as assistant project engineer, focused on the guidance and data systems. Later became lead engineer for production, and then head of the Bomarc operation.

In 1965 he was placed in charge of the company's Lunar Orbiter Program Office, as an assistant division manager in the Spacecraft Systems of the Boeing Space Division. He helped co-design two of the Lunar Orbiter spacecraft.

By 1966 Bob Helberg had developed a heart condition and was taking nitroglycerin tablets to treat the symptoms. He continued to work almost to his final day, then died of a heart attack in Seattle. He was remembered as gentlemanly and hard-working by his associates.

He had lived with his wife Helen in the Seattle area. His hobbies included fishing, duck hunting, poker, gardening, and raising trees at a nearby tree farm.

Robert J. Helberg was awarded a patent for an automatic control cable tensioner. This device was used in Boeing-built bombers.

[edit] Honors

  • For his contributions to the success of the Lunar Orbiter, NASA awarded him the Public Service Medal, their highest honor.
  • Astronautics Engineer Award given by the National Space Club in 1966.
  • Helberg crater on the Moon is named for him.

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