Development lead for NASA’s hypersonic and transatmospheric flight
Lana M. Couch graduated with a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering in 1963. She began her career as a research engineer at NASA's Langley Research Center. Over the next 30 years, she alternated between assignments at Langley and NASA headquarters in Washington, D.C., steadily advancing through the management ranks. Her accomplishments included leading development of NASA’s hypersonic and transatmospheric flight. Couch's career culminated in her appointment as director of the National Aero-Space Plane Office at Langley. She received numerous accolades, such as a Women in Aerospace Lifetime Achievement Award, a NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal, and a National Aviation Club's Women in Aviation Award. Purdue recognized Couch with a Distinguished Engineering Alumna Award in 1994.