The HYSKY Society is proud to recognize a tribute made by James Jung in honor of Dr. Addison Bain, a pioneering scientist whose life’s work elevated hydrogen to its rightful place in the future of energy and aviation. Dr. Bain’s passion, intellect, and determination reshaped how the world views hydrogen, not only as a fuel, but as a force for progress.
Honoring Dr. Addison Bain
Born on September 23, 1935, in Kalispell, Montana, Dr. Bain began his career with a degree in engineering from Montana State University. After serving in the U.S. Army, he was stationed at Redstone Arsenal and assigned to Dr. Wernher von Braun’s engineering team. This assignment launched a historic career in aerospace [1].
At NASA, Dr. Bain worked on critical propulsion and life support systems for the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and Space Shuttle programs. He contributed to rocket systems including Atlas V, Delta II, Saturn, Taurus, and Falcon, eventually becoming Chief of Propellant and Life Support Systems at Kennedy Space Center. During his NASA tenure, he earned his MS and PhD while working full time—testament to his lifelong commitment to science [1].
He received numerous awards for his service, including the NASA Exceptional Service Medal and the Astronaut Corps' Silver Snoopy Pin. Dr. Bain was also a founding member of the National Hydrogen Association, the International Hydrogen Energy Association, and chaired national and international hydrogen safety panels for the U.S. Department of Energy and ISO [2][5].
Dr. Bain’s most iconic contribution was his challenge to the conventional explanation of the Hindenburg disaster. Through extensive research, including interviews with survivors and multiple trips to Germany, he proposed the Incendiary Paint Theory: that the airship’s highly flammable outer coating, not hydrogen, caused the deadly fire. His efforts led to the Smithsonian revising its exhibit, and his model of the Hindenburg remains on display at the National Air and Space Museum [1][3][4].
He famously said:
“Hydrogen didn’t cause the Hindenburg disaster—it ended it.” [3]
Dr. Bain wrote The Freedom Element: Living with Hydrogen to educate the public on hydrogen’s safety and viability as a clean energy source [3]. He didn’t just talk the talk—he converted his own Lincoln to run on hydrogen, built a fueling station in his garage, and demonstrated the system to neighbors, fire officials, and the media. He later donated the car and fueling setup to a university [1].
His work extended to alternative fuels, including hydrogen-compressed natural gas blends, and he continued to advise academic institutions and government agencies well into retirement [6][5].
Outside of science, he loved red beer at Moose’s Saloon in Kalispell, fly-fishing on the South Fork of the Flathead River, and time spent at Spotted Bear’s Diamond R Ranch. He passed away on January 22, 2025, at the age of 89 [1].
The HYSKY Society thanks James Jung for honoring Dr. Addison Bain and bringing renewed attention to a man whose legacy continues to shape the future of hydrogen-powered flight. His vision, intellect, and courage inspire us as we work to decarbonize aviation and chart a clean path skyward.
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