Harry Julian Allen

Harry Julian Allen (April 1, 1910 – January 29, 1977), also known as Harvey Allen, was an aeronautical engineer and a Director of the NASA Ames Research Center, most noted for his "Blunt Body" theory of atmospheric entry which permitted successful recovery of orbiting spacecraft. He attended Stanford University, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in engineering in 1932 and an Aeronautical Engineer professional degree in 1935. In 1936, he joined the NACA's Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory. In 1940, he moved to the Ames Research Laboratory, where he served as Chief of the Ames Theoretical Aerodynamics Branch (1941-1945), Chief of the High-Speed Research Division (1945-1959), assistant director for Astronautics (1959-1965), and finally Center Director (1965-1969). When the United States became interested in the design of ballistic missiles, Allen began research in the dynamics and thermodynamics of atmospheric reentry, as well as the effects of radiation and meteorites on space vehicles. His most significant contribution in this area was the idea of using a blunt nose for reentry vehicles, otherwise known as his "Blunt Body" theory.

Fellow of the Meteoritical Society (ca. 1966)

Member of the National Academy of Engineering (1966)

NASA Medal for Exceptional Scientific Achievement (1965)

Airpower Trophy of the Air Force Association (1958)

Distinguished Service Medal of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) (1957)

Wright Brothers Lectureship of the Institute of the Aerospace Sciences (1957)

Sylvanus Albert Reed Award of the Institute of the Aerospace Sciences (predecessor of the AlAA) (1955)