File:Lester Van Atta - GPN-2002-000221.jpg

English: Dr. Lester C. Van Atta was appointed the Assistant Director of the NASA Electronics Research Center in November 1968. In that position he directed the University Affairs Office, Technology Utilization Office and the Special Projects Office.

In 1965, Dr. Van Atta joined NASA to head the Electomagnetic Research directorate that included microwave and optical research. Dr. Van Atta was known throughout his career for his research of microwave and antenna development.

The ERC opened in September 1964, taking over the administration of contracts, grants, and other NASA business in New England from the antecedent North Eastern Operations Office (created in July 1962), and closed in June 1970. It served to develop the space agencys in-house expertise in electronics during the Apollo era. A second key function was to serve as a graduate and post- graduate training center within the framework of a regional government-industry-university alliance.

Research at the ERC was conducted in ten different laboratories: space guidance, systems, computers, instrumentation research, space optics, power conditioning and distribution, microwave radiation, electronics components, qualifications and standards, and control and information systems. Researchers investigated such areas as microwave and laser communications; the miniaturization and radiation resistance of electronic components; guidance and control systems; photovoltaic energy conversion; information display devices; instrumentation; and computers and data processing.

Although the only NASA Center ever closed, the ERC actually grew while NASA eliminated major programs and cut staff in other areas. Between 1967 and 1970, NASA cut permanent civil service workers at all Centers with one exception, the ERC, whose personnel grew annually until its closure in June 1970.