NASA Astronaut Group 23 selected Andre Douglas in December 2021, launching a career that bridged maritime engineering with deep-space exploration. Born in Miami in 1985 and raised in Chesapeake, Virginia, Douglas transitioned from active duty as a United States Coast Guard officer into a specialized role supporting lunar surface innovation and autonomous systems development before his selection for flight status.
Academic and Formative Background
Douglas graduated from Western Branch High School in 2004. He attended the United States Coast Guard Academy from 2004 to 2008, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. His post-graduate education includes a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from the University of Michigan, completed between 2010 and 2012. He later obtained a Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Johns Hopkins University and a doctorate in systems engineering from George Washington University in 2021.
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Following his 2008 academy graduation, Douglas served as a lieutenant in the United States Coast Guard. His initial posting was aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Vigilant stationed at Cape Canaveral, where he engaged in drug enforcement, humanitarian relief, and migrant interdiction. He transitioned to the Coast Guard Marine Safety Center to provide technical reviews and casualty response as a naval architect. Upon completing astronaut candidate training in 2024, he received a commission as a commander in the Coast Guard Reserve, where he provides advisory support to the Commandant regarding recruitment, public affairs, and autonomous maritime systems.
Technical Research at Applied Physics Laboratory
Between 2015 and 2021, Douglas worked with the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. His professional portfolio included contributions to underwater robotics and space exploration initiatives. He supported the NASA Double Asteroid Redirection Test and the MEGANE spectrometer for the Martian Moons eXploration mission. His research output focused on autonomous swarm behavior and predictive performance for unmanned surface vessels. Within the Lunar Surface Innovation Consortium, he worked directly with NASA to define technology requirements for long-term lunar habitation and surface operations.
Artemis Program Assignments
Douglas reported for duty with NASA in January 2022. By July 2024, he was named the backup crew member for Artemis II, the first crewed test flight utilizing the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft. During the April 2026 launch, he served as the Astronaut Support Person, managing the final seating and closeout procedures for the flight crew. In June 2026, NASA assigned him as a mission specialist for the Artemis III mission alongside Randy Bresnik, Frank Rubio, and Luca Parmitano.
Fast facts
- Born: 1985, Miami, Florida
- Military Rank: Lieutenant (Coast Guard), Commander (Coast Guard Reserve)
- NASA Assignment: Astronaut Group 23
- Education: Doctorate in Systems Engineering, George Washington University
- Previous Employer: Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
- Awards: Coast Guard Achievement Medal, Parachutist Badge
Questions readers ask
What was the focus of his research at the Applied Physics Laboratory?
His work centered on autonomous swarm behaviors in unmanned systems and technology assessment for lunar surface operations.
What is his role in the Artemis program?
He served as the backup crew member for Artemis II and is a designated mission specialist for the Artemis III mission.
Achievements
- Parachutist Badge
- Coast Guard Achievement Medal
- Recorded as astronaut and military officer