Kenneth Thomas

Background

About Kenneth Thomas

Author, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) Educator, part-time NASA Academy Guest Instructor and full-time Quality Associate at a local aerospace manufacturer. My second book "Journey To Moonwalking" was released in 2017 and documents the innovation, struggle and sacrifice carried out by the men and women of industry and government that culminated in the spacesuit that made the first human surface explorations of the moon possible. This book represents over two decades of research, interviewing original participants and working with other spacesuit historians to determine Apollo spacesuit contributions and contributors. The result is a human chronicle of the challenges, achievements and experiences related to the most watched historical event of its time. Background - Rose through the ranks in manufacturing to be a non-degreed engineer before completing a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Manufacturing at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU). Graduated Cum Laude and won the CCSU Honors Award for Outstanding Student from the School of Engineering & Technology for 1985. Board Certified Engineer by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. Served three decades as an Aerospace Engineer with over two decades as an Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) spacesuit Project Engineer. I concepted features of the EMU Hard Upper Torso used to assemble the International Space Station. Sole or co-inventor of four planetary spacesuit international patents. Have served as a STEM Educator since 1989 and have been a consultant to the National Air and Space Museum since 1993. Was the primary author of “U. S. Spacesuits” that is now in second edition and is being used by NASA as a textbook. Taught Engineering at CCSU. My second book,"The Journey to Moonwalking" is the culmination of almost a quarter century of research.