Chris DeMars is a graduate of the Class of 1971 where he received academic honors and lettered in cross country and track. He was also active in photography and the National Honor Society. Graduating fifth in his class, he was awarded an Elks Club Scholarship to the University of Arizona. Chris attended the College of Engineering and was active in intramural sports bicycle racing, marathons, track and cross-country His cross-country team finished first four years in a
row.
Chris graduated from the University of Arizona with High Distinction in 1975, earning a Bachelors
Degree in mechanical engineering. He went to work for Hughes Aircraft Company as a test engineer and was awarded a Hughes Master Fellowship to continue postgraduate studies at the University of Arizona. Chris earned a Masters Degree in mechanical engineering in 1979 and went to work for Orbital Sciences Corporation designing space payloads. He became a registered Professional Engineer and has spent his career in the space industry developing
satellites and space launch vehicles. Chris currently directs Florida launch operations for Orbital Sciences
and lives in Merritt Island, Florida with his wife, Jan and two children, Ryan and Alexandra.
In addition to his launch operations responsibilities, Chris coordinates commercial space policy and has been appointed to the Presidential Commission Board investigating U.S. launch accidents between 1985-1999. Chris has served as a state judge for VICA
photography competitions and has served three terms on a local school board. He has developed plans to improve technology in schools and heads a committee to build a new school for his church. He coaches Middle School basketball, enjoys boating and being a
spectator of flourishing wildlife in Florida. He still misses his Arizona roots and tries to return home at every opportunity. He says his years at Sahuaro include many of his most cherished memories and it is with great pride that he accepts this honor into the Hall of Fame.