A total of 533 hours of space flight were logged by Brewster H. Shaw during his service as a NASA astronaut. Commissioned as an Air Force officer in 1969, he transitioned from a career as a test pilot to become a veteran of three Space Shuttle missions and later served as a senior leader for NASA operations.
Military and Flight Training
Born in 1945 in Cass City, Michigan, Shaw graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison with degrees in Engineering Mechanics. His interest in aviation began during college, eventually leading him to the U.S. Air Force in 1969. After completing pilot training, he served as a flight instructor and operational test pilot, notably attending the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base starting in 1975.
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Selected by NASA in 1978, Shaw participated in three major shuttle flights. He served as pilot for STS-9 in 1983, a mission notable for carrying the largest crew to that point. He subsequently commanded Atlantis on STS-61-B in 1985 and Columbia on STS-28 in 1989. These missions involved diverse tasks including scientific research, satellite deployment, and classified Department of Defense operations.
Management and Post-NASA Career
Following the 1986 Challenger disaster, Shaw supported the Rogers Presidential Commission and led efforts to enhance shuttle safety protocols. He transitioned into management at the Kennedy Space Center, holding roles such as Deputy Director and Director of Space Shuttle Operations. In 1996, he retired from the Air Force and NASA to join Rockwell, which was acquired by Boeing that same year, where he managed space station power systems.
Fast facts
- Born: 1945, Cass City, Michigan
- Education: University of Wisconsin–Madison
- Military Rank: Colonel
- Spaceflight hours: 533
- STS-9 role: Pilot
- STS-61-B and STS-28 role: Commander
- Inducted into U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame: 2006
- Awards: NASA Distinguished Service Medal (1990, 1993)
Questions readers ask
Did Brewster H. Shaw participate in the investigation of the Challenger accident?
Yes, following the 1986 disaster, he supported the Rogers Presidential Commission and later led the team tasked with the return-to-flight safety enhancements.
What was Shaw's professional path after leaving NASA?
He joined the private sector in 1996, working for Rockwell and later Boeing, where he managed international space station power systems and major defense programs.
Achievements
- United States Astronaut Hall of Fame
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at University of Wisconsin–Madison and U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School
- Worked as military officer, astronaut and aircraft pilot
