The Heinlein Society was honored to announce that Dr. Yoji Kondo, eminent astronomer, author and editor, joined its Board of Directors in July 2002. 

Kondo holds a Ph.D. in astrophysics from the University of Pennsylvania, headed the astrophysics laboratory at the Johnson Space Center during the Apollo and Skylab Missions, and was the NASA director of a geosynchronous satellite observatory for 15 years, among other roles. He also served as President of the International Astronomical Union's (IAU's) Commission on "Astronomy from Space," as well as President of IAU Commission on "Close Binary Stars" and the IAU Division on "Variable Stars." 

As an astronomer, he has edited or co-edited numerous scientific volumes. In 1992, he also edited New Collected Works by Robert A. Heinlein, Requiem, and Tributes to the Grand Master. Under the name Eric Kotani, he writes science fiction as well. 

While at NASA, he has held concurrent appointments as professor at the University of Oklahoma, the University of Houston, the University of Pennsylvania, the George Mason University, the Institute of Space Astronautical Research in Japan, the University of La Plata in Argentina, and the Catholic University of America (current). 

Among the professional recognitions he received are the "NASA Medal for Exceptional Scientific Achievement," the "Federal Design Achievement Award concurrently issued with the U.S. Presidential Award for Design Excellence)," and the National Space Club "Science Award" -- in addition to seven other awards from NASA, Johnson Space Center, Goddard Space Flight Center, and the European Space Agency. 

His avocation is judo (5th degree black-belt) and aikido (6th degree black belt), and has been teaching the martial arts for a few decades.