Lewis S.G. Braxton III

Lewis S.G. Braxton III. . , The NASA Ames Research Center Space Shuttle Wind Tunnel Test Model is dedicated in honor of, Lewis S. C. Braxton III, Lewis S. G. Braxton III began his 40-year career in 1975 at Dryden Flight Research Center as a co-op student accountant and rose through the management chain to eventually become the Chief Financial Officer at Ames Research Center. He then served as the Director of Center Operations before being named Ames Deputy Center Director in 2008., While serving as Deputy Director, he saw the inherent historical value of the Space Shuttle Test Model and, through his personal efforts, the model was fully renovated in order to preserve this important symbol of the Ames contribution to NASA's Space Shuttle Program., The model was built by Rockwell International Corporation in Los Angeles. It is a 36 percent scale model of the Orbiter with a length of 44 feet and weight of 45,000 pounds. In 1977, the model underwent tests in the Ames National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex to gather data on the vehicle's low speed aerodynamics, data that was needed to support approach and landing flight regimes., Mr. Braxton's service to NASA Ames Research Center left a legacy of outstanding leadership and vision.