John Glenn

John Glenn: A Remarkable Life

John Glenn reflects on his dramatic debut on the world stage, from his first space flight and an illustrious senate career, to his historic space flight at age 77.

Engaging the Next Generation: Public Service in the 21st Century

Based on the lessons of leadership and teambuilding learned throughout his life, John Glenn inspires audiences to reach inside themselves for the common good and betterment of mankind.

An American Legend

On February 20, 1962 John Glenn was launched into the still- mysterious darkness of space to become the first American to orbit the earth. Thirty-six years later, at the age of 77, Senator Glenn returned to space with a crew of astronauts who were not yet born when he made his first flight. As Senator Glenn and his crew ascended into the earth’s orbit NASA proudly proclaimed, “Liftoff of Discovery with a crew of six astronaut heroes and one American legend.” Today, John Glenn is the oldest man ever to fly in space, his participation enabling fundamental research on the aging process

From Space to the Senate Floor

In 1974, with a strong desire to again serve his country, John Glenn was elected to the United States Senate. For twenty-four years Senator Glenn served as a Democratic Senator from his home state of Ohio, focusing on issues such as arms control, nuclear proliferation, government efficiency, and campaign finance reform. Currently, Senator Glenn heads The John Glenn School of Public Affairs at Ohio State University, which he founded in 1998. His autobiography, John Glenn: A Memoir, recalls his remarkable life and journey through the Canyon of Heroes.