Gene Kranz Net Worth (Updated 2026).

Gene Kranz, born in Toledo, Ohio, in 1933, began his career in the U.S. Air Force after graduating from the University of Illinois with a degree in aeronautical engineering. His first role was as a flight test engineer, where he honed his skills in the rigorous demands of flight testing and the importance of precision and attention to detail.

In 1966, Kranz joined NASA as a flight dynamics officer, a role that would eventually lead him to become one of the most famous figures in the space program. His first major assignment was as the Flight Dynamics Officer for Gemini 5, a mission that would test the ability of astronauts to live and work in space for extended periods. Kranz’s calm and collected demeanor under pressure, as well as his ability to quickly analyze and troubleshoot problems, quickly earned him the respect of his colleagues and superiors.

Gene Kranz’s Current Net Worth (2025)

As of 2025, Gene Kranz’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. This figure takes into account his career in NASA and his various ventures since retiring from the space agency.

Career

Gene Kranz, born in 1933, is a retired NASA flight director who played a crucial role in the Apollo program. He served as the White Team Flight Dynamics Officer during the Apollo 11 mission, which successfully landed astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the moon in 1969. Kranz also played a significant role in the Apollo 13 incident, earning the nickname “Gene ‘Krazy’ Kranz” for his calm and effective leadership during the crisis.

Other Ventures

After retiring from NASA in 1994, Kranz founded the company Luce Forward Hamilton & Scripps. He also served on the board of directors for several companies, including Honeywell International and Raytheon Company. Additionally, he wrote a book titled “Failure Is Not an Option,” which became a New York Times bestseller in 2000.

Assets

Gene Kranz’s assets include real estate, primarily in his home state of Texas. He also holds investments in various companies, particularly in the aerospace and technology sectors. His personal collection of space memorabilia, accumulated throughout his career at NASA, is considered one of his most valuable assets.

Annual Income

Gene Kranz’s annual income is primarily derived from his retirement benefits from NASA and his investments. As a retired NASA employee, he receives a pension, and his investments generate additional income. However, the exact figures for his annual income are not publicly disclosed. His book royalties and any speaking engagements he may have also contribute to his annual income.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Gene Kranz

Frequently Asked Questions: Gene Kranz Net Worth

1. What is Gene Kranz’s net worth?

Gene Kranz’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million.

2. How old is Gene Kranz?

Gene Kranz was born on August 17, 1933, making him 89 years old as of 2022.

3. What is Gene Kranz’s background?

Gene Kranz is a retired NASA flight director, known for his role in the successful Apollo 11 moon landing and the safe return of the crew of Apollo 13. He served as a flight director for 33 missions, including all of the Apollo missions from Apollo 7 to Apollo 17.

4. What is Gene Kranz’s role in the Apollo 13 mission?

Gene Kranz served as the White Team flight director during the Apollo 13 mission. He played a crucial role in the safe return of the crew after an oxygen tank explosion crippled the spacecraft on its way to the moon.

5. What is Gene Kranz’s role in the Apollo 11 mission?

Gene Kranz served as the Black Team flight director during the Apollo 11 mission. He was responsible for monitoring the spacecraft’s systems and ensuring the safe landing of the lunar module on the moon’s surface.

6. What is Gene Kranz’s role in the movie “Apollo 13”?

Gene Kranz was portrayed by actor Ed Harris in the 1995 film “Apollo 13”. The movie is based on the true story of the Apollo 13 mission and the efforts of NASA to safely return the crew to Earth after an explosion in space.

7. What is Gene Kranz’s role in the book “Failure is Not an Option”?

Gene Kranz’s memoir, “Failure is Not an Option: Mission Control from Mercury to Apollo 13 and Beyond”, was published in 2000. The book provides a firsthand account of Kranz’s experiences as a flight director during some of NASA’s most historic missions.

8. What is Gene Kranz’s role in the space program after the Apollo missions?

After the Apollo missions, Gene Kranz served as the Director of Flight Crew Operations at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. He also played a role in the development of the Space Shuttle program and the International Space Station.

9. What awards has Gene Kranz received?

Gene Kranz has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, and the National Aeronautics Association’s Robert J. Collier Trophy.

10. What is Gene Kranz doing now?

Gene Kranz retired from NASA in 1994 and has since been involved in various speaking engagements and consulting work. He also serves on the board of directors for several organizations, including the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation.