Clarence A. Syvertson

Clarence “Sy” Syvertson served as the fourth Ames Center Director, from April 30, 1978 to January 13, 1984. He had served in an acting capacity since August 15, 1977.

Syvertson distinguished himself as both a brilliant and creative scientist and as a dynamic and innovative administrator. His contributions included not only important and lasting scientific work but also the management of critical programs that maintained the center’s place as a world-class research institution.

Specializing in the study of hypersonic air flow and its implications for aircraft design, Syvertson began his Ames career in 1948. He was soon placed in charge of the Ames 10- by 14-inch wind tunnel, a position which enabled him not only to test his own theories regarding hypersonics but also to assist others in their own experimental work, and later to help build and design new wind tunnel facilities at Ames. He pioneered work in various advanced aircraft designs, including the XB-70 Valkyrie and the M-2 Lifting Body, and his contributions to the design of reentry vehicles found later application in the Space Shuttle program. In fact, some of Syvertson’s work was so advanced that it has had lasting impacts on the most cutting-edge aircraft and spacecraft, including hypersonic transports and direct-to-orbit vehicles.

Although Syvertson’s tenure at Ames would have been distinguished enough with just these accomplishments, he proceeded to move into the management ranks in 1963, creating and leading the Mission Analysis Division (MAD). The Division was located at Ames, but organizationally it was part of the NASA Headquarters Office of Advanced Research and Technology. As the leader of MAD, Syvertson helped to chart the course of NASA’s future exploration of space and to define the direction of technology development. He continued refining concepts for hypersonic flight and did early studies for a human mission to Mars, focusing on atmosphere entry and landing. After serving as Director of Astronautics and then Deputy Director of Ames, Syvertson was named acting Ames Director, succeeding Hans Mark, in 1977.

The hallmark of Syvertson’s directorship is the strengthening and broadening of some of Ames’ most important areas of research. Under Syvertson’s guidance, Ames did groundbreaking work in advanced vertical lift and tiltrotor aircraft, flight simulation and testing, human factors research, the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI), and the IRAS telescope, among many other areas.

Syvertson’s renowned ability to build consensus contributed to his success as a manager. But it was his work as a researcher that laid much of the groundwork for those who followed him. His contributions to both aeronautical science and building Ames as a research center resonated long after his departure. He passed away in 2010.