Astronaut Appearances

NASA selects astronauts from a diverse pool of applicants with a wide variety of backgrounds, from scientists to pilots. From the thousands of applications received, only a few are chosen to be a member of the elite NASA Astronaut Corps. Each day at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, visitors get the rare opportunity to meet a veteran NASA astronaut. 
 

Meet the Astronaut of the Day at any of the following opportunities.  See the Daily Schedule for the times for each when you arrive. 

• The daily Astronaut Encounter briefings allow time for a presentation from the astronaut and a question-and-answer session, so be prepared to ask him or her what you have always wanted to know.
• Visitors can also get an astronaut’s autograph at The Space Shop and Shuttle Express at various times during the day.
• During the all-new Chat With An Astronaut, enjoy a sampling of food and beverages while having a group conversation with the Astronaut of the Day about what it is really like to live and work in space.  This new add-on enhancement requires daily admission.

ASTRONAUT BIO

• Born in Stockbridge, Massachusetts
• Joined United States Marine Corps in 1953 and worked as an aircraft electrician and engine mechanic.
• 18,000 hours in 160 different aircraft
• 8,000 hours in the T-38
• Selected by NASA in 1967
• Back Up Science Pilot on Skylab 1
• Worked on the design of all shuttle extravehicular activity equipment
• CAPCOM on several space shuttle missions
• Worked 17 years on Hubble Space Telescope
• Six shuttle flights:
  • STS-6 1983
  • STS-51-f 1985
  • STS-33 1989
  • STS-44 1991
  • STS-61 1993
  • STS-80 1996