Episode 39 - Flying the Space Shuttle

In 1996, astronaut Tom Henricks became the first Space Shuttle pilot/commander to log 1,000 hours in space.
 
Tom tells us about his time as an F-4 pilot and F-16 test pilot, astronaut training, flying four Space Shuttle missions including two as a commander, and the challenges of flying at Mach 25. This one is going to be cool!

Key Takeaways:
  • Tom's love of aviation started when he bought an airplane ride near his family's farm.
  • Tom graduated number one in his weapons and test pilot school. 
  • After applying four times, Tom was selected to be a NASA astronaut in 1985.
  • Tom flew to space four times on missions STS-44, 55, 70, and 78. They ran experiments, deployed satellites, and did some early testing that later would help build the International Space Station.
  • The Space Shuttle reenters the atmosphere at Mach 25, making it very complicated to land successfully. Tom landed the Shuttle on his last two missions.
  • At the time, STS-78 was the longest space mission to date at 405 hours. Later that same year, STS-80 broke its record by 19 hours.
  • Tom is excited about the future of Artemis and hopes someday he may even step on the Moon.
Resources:
Episode 39 - Flying the Space Shuttle
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