Arnold Frutkin

Arnold Wolfe Frutkin (November 30, 1918 – September 1, 2020) was the Deputy Director of the NASA international programs office between 1957 and 1978, and later, the associate administrator for external relations. He was the NASA Deputy Director for international affairs during the Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union.

Biography Frutkin first started working for NASA when he was hired as deputy director for the U.S. National Committee during the International Geophysical Year, July 1, 1957, to December 31, 1958. This title later changed to assistant administrator for international affairs in 1963. Frutkin was employed by NASA as deputy director of the international programs office during the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union. After retiring, Frutkin commented although he had always disliked the space race, he had nonetheless felt disappointed by the success of Sputnik 1.

In 1978 Frutkin was appointed as the associate administrator for external relations for NASA. He held this post until his retirement in 1979.