Stapp, John Paul (1910-1999)

Brazilian-born US aviation doctor. His main work researched into the limits of human endurance, especially in regard to the physiological effects of high acceleration. His work helped speed the manned exploration of space; he served as chief scientist of the Aerospace Medical Team in 1962.

He was born in Salvador, Brazil, the son of American missionary parents. He earned a PhD in biophysics in 1939 and a medical degree in 1943. As part of his research, he rode a rocket sled to a land speed record of 632 miles per hour in 1954. Stapp joined the faculty of the University of Southern California after retiring from government service in 1970.