Boeing

Upon learning of the tragic death Thursday of former astronaut and McDonnell Douglas executive Charles P. "Pete" Conrad, Boeing Space & Communications Group President Jim Albaugh issued the following statement:

"We are shocked and saddened by the death of our dear friend and former colleague Pete Conrad, who served his country so well and so enthusiastically as an astronaut, as a Naval officer and as a private citizen. Throughout the years, many at Boeing, McDonnell Douglas and Rockwell had the privilege of working with Pete and getting to know him personally. His accomplishments and legacy will endure. We will miss him and have his family in our thoughts and prayers."

The 69-year-old Conrad worked for McDonnell Douglas, now part of The Boeing Company, from 1976-1996. He began his aerospace career as vice president of Commercial Sales International for McDonnell Douglas Corp., served as senior vice president of marketing for the Douglas Aircraft Co. division, and also held other marketing and product support jobs for the company during his 20-year tenure. Conrad retired from McDonnell Douglas in 1996 to form his own company, Universal Space Lines, and several sister companies, with the goal of commercializing space.