Ralph Hoodless, age 87, of Huntsville, died peacefully on February 16, 2022. He had retired from NASA/MSFC as a Senior Executive after serving the government 38 ½ years. He served in the US Army and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering, a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and completed work towards a Masters’ degree in Aeronautical Engineering all at Auburn University. He also completed work at Harvard University for Senior Managers in Government. Mr. Hoodless began his professional career as a propulsion systems engineer, with NASA/MSFC at Redstone Arsenal, AL. He was heavily involved in propulsion systems design and development and flight operations of the S-IVB stage of the Saturn IB and V vehicles. He led technical studies to define concepts for the new space shuttle and to select an engine contractor for the shuttle main engine. Later he was assigned as Design and Development Manager for the Spacelab Program where he served for approximately five years. Spacelab was a joint US and European space program. He was then assigned as the Manager of Operations and Logistics for Spacelab. He became the Manager for the Logistics Elements for the Space Station Freedom with responsibility for the design and development of the Space Station Logistics hardware and support systems. He was given a special assignment in NASA Headquarters as Director of the Commercial Space Facility Program. He completed his special assignment at NASA Headquarters and returned to MSFC where he was assigned as the Deputy Manager for the Advanced Launch System (ALS). He was assigned as Manager of the Automatic Rendezvous and Capture Project for MSFC. Later he was assigned as the Director of the Preliminary Design Office of Program Development where he served until he retired. Mr. Hoodless received many commendations and awards. Among these is the NASA Exceptional Service Medal which he received for his contributions in the development and implementation of operational capabilities for the Spacelab Program in the US and in Europe. He learned to fly as a teenager and always loved it. He played basketball in High School and in college. He also enjoyed fishing, sailing, photography, and traveling. After retirement, he enjoyed refurbishing computers to give to people and schools who could not afford them. He was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Huntsville. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Anita; son, Paul Hoodless (wife Myrna); daughter, Carol Lyle (husband Chuck); grandchildren, Justin Lyle, Joshua Lyle, Eleanor Enderle (husband Evan), Ethan Hoodless and Esther Hoodless; and great-grandchild, Cora Joy Enderle. Service will be held at First Baptist Church Chapel in Huntsville Tuesday, February 22. Visitation will be at 10:00 followed by the service at 10:30.
