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Astronaut Appearance

Meet Astronaut Roger Crouch

Universe Theater

SunSundayApril 5
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Headshot of astronaut Roger Crouch in orange space suit without helmet in front of a U.S. flag
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Get the rare opportunity to meet a veteran NASA astronaut every day at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Meet the Astronaut of the Day at any of the following opportunities:  

  • Astronaut Encounter – During these presentations, hear from the Astronaut of the Day about his or her unique experience living and working in space. Have your questions ready after the presentation. Astronaut Encounter is included with admission. 
  • Chat With An Astronaut – Enjoy a sampling of food and beverages while having a small-group conversation with the Astronaut of the Day about what it is really like to live and work in space. Chat With An Astronaut can be purchased in addition to admission. 
  • Autograph signings – get the astronaut’s autograph at The Space Shop and Shuttle Express at various times during the day. 

 See the Daily Schedule for the times for each when you arrive.

Learn more about this Astronaut of the Day below.

Headshot of astronaut Roger Crouch in orange space suit without helmet in front of a U.S. flag

Roger K. Crouch

  • Payload Specialist, space shuttle Columbia (STS-83)

  • Payload Specialist, space shuttle Columbia (STS-94)

Roger Crouch, a retired NASA and MIT scientist, logged over 471 hours in space and was a crucial contributor to microgravity research.

Roger Crouch’s career at NASA spanned numerous liaison, scientist, and leadership roles, specializing in Microgravity Sciences. He led the Microgravity Space and Applications Division, served as Program Scientist on five Spacelab flights, and was also a founding co-chair of the International Microgravity Science Strategic Planning group.

At NASA Langley Research Center from 1962 to 1985, Crouch led research on semiconductor materials and was a principal investigator in the MSAD flight program. His work resulted in over 40 technical papers and 50 conference reports.

Crouch flew as a Payload Specialist on STS-83 and STS-94 in 1997, logging over 471 hours in space. STS-83, the Microgravity Science Laboratory (MSL-1) Spacelab mission, was cut short due to a fuel cell issue. His second mission, STS-94, was a reflight of MSL-1, focusing on materials and combustion science research. STS-94, a reflight of MSL-1, focused on materials and combustion science research, lasting 376 hours and 45 minutes over 251 orbits.

Crouch now consults with various firms and delivers inspirational lectures.

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