Ave Kludze Jr is one of the Ghanaian professionals making a name for himself around the world through his work in space engineering and NASA missions.
He currently works as a senior spacecraft systems engineer and has served at both NASA Langley Research Center and Goddard Space Flight Center.
While at Goddard, Ave Kludze Jr became the first Black African from Ghana to command and control spacecraft in orbit from a mission control centre.
He worked on major space missions including the Earth Radiation Budget Satellite and the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission.
Kludze also created the Human Locator System, known as Hulos, and has contributed to areas such as nanotechnology, engineering, aeronautics and space exploration.
Born in Hohoe, he developed an interest in science at a young age. Although he wanted to become a pilot, poor eyesight prevented him from following that path.
He attended Adisadel College before moving to Swedru Secondary School for his A-level education.
In the late 1980s, he moved to the United States and studied electrical engineering at Rutgers University.
He later earned a master’s degree in systems engineering from Johns Hopkins University and a PhD in systems engineering from George Washington University.
Ave Kludze Jr’s success continues to inspire many young Ghanaians and shows that hard work and determination can open doors to the highest levels of global achievement.
