Charles Gordon Fullerton spent his professional life pushing the boundaries of aviation and space exploration, logging over 16,000 hours in 135 different aircraft types. From his early work as an engineer for Hughes Aircraft Company to his terminal status as a research pilot at NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Facility, he played a central role in twentieth-century flight testing.
Academic and Military Foundation
Born in Rochester, New York, in 1936, Fullerton completed his secondary education at Grant High School in Portland, Oregon, before enrolling at the California Institute of Technology. He earned Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in mechanical engineering by 1958. Shortly after, he joined the United States Air Force. His military trajectory included training as an F-86 interceptor pilot and a B-47 bomber pilot before he was selected for the Air Force Aerospace Research Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base. He served as a crew member for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory program until 1969.
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Following the termination of the Manned Orbiting Laboratory, Fullerton joined NASA Astronaut Group 7. His tenure involved providing support for Apollo missions 14 through 17. In 1977, he piloted the Space Shuttle prototype Enterprise during the Approach and Landing Tests. His first orbital flight, STS-3 in 1982, tested the thermal endurance of the Columbia orbiter and the capabilities of the Canadarm. Later, in 1985, he commanded the Spacelab 2 mission aboard Challenger, which carried 13 major experiments focused on astronomy and physics.
Research and Development Pilot
Transitioning to the NASA research pilot office in 1986, Fullerton contributed to diverse aerospace projects. He served as project pilot for the Propulsion Controlled Aircraft program, demonstrating that an F-15 and an MD-11 could be landed using only engine thrust. He also piloted the NASA/Convair 990 to evaluate landing gear components and conducted tests on the X-29 and the F-18. His career concluded after 30 years of military service and decades of civilian research at Dryden, ending in retirement in 2007.
Fast facts
- Born: 1936, Rochester
- Died: 2013, Lancaster
- Military Rank: Colonel
- Education: California Institute of Technology
- Space Flight Hours: Over 380
- Flying Time: Over 16,000 hours
- Notable Recognition: United States Astronaut Hall of Fame
- Burial Site: Arlington National Cemetery
Questions readers ask
What aircraft did Fullerton test for propulsion control?
He successfully landed both an F-15 and an MD-11 by using engine thrust modulation when traditional control surfaces were fixed.
Which NASA missions did he command or pilot?
He served as the pilot for STS-3 in 1982 and as the commander for the STS-51-F Spacelab 2 mission in 1985.
Achievements
- United States Astronaut Hall of Fame
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at California Institute of Technology, U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and Grant High School
- Worked as military officer, astronaut and engineer
