The first person born in Peru to travel into space, Carlos I. Noriega moved to Santa Clara, California, during his early childhood. His path to orbit involved a transition from Marine Corps aviation to technical operations within the United States Space Command before he reported to the Johnson Space Center for astronaut training in March 1995.
Military Service and Education
Noriega earned a bachelor of science degree in computer science from the University of Southern California in 1981, the same year he received his commission in the United States Marine Corps. He flew CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters during deployments to the West Pacific and Indian Ocean, including support operations for the Multinational Peacekeeping Force in Beirut. After serving as an instructor pilot at MCAS Tustin, he attended the Naval Postgraduate School, earning master's degrees in computer science and space systems operations by 1990. He subsequently served as a Space Surveillance Center Commander and worked on missile warning systems at Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station.
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Selected by NASA in 1994, Noriega qualified as a mission specialist in 1996. His first flight, STS-84 in May 1997, involved a mission to the Russian Space Station Mir, during which the crew transferred four tons of supplies. In 2000, he participated in STS-97, a mission dedicated to assembling the International Space Station, where he helped install the first set of U.S. solar arrays and conducted three spacewalks. Over his two missions, he logged over 461 hours in space.
Later Career
Following his second spaceflight, Noriega trained for the STS-121 mission, though he was replaced in 2004 due to a temporary medical condition. He served as the Chief of the Exploration Systems Engineering Division at Johnson Space Center. After retiring from the Astronaut Corps in 2005, he transitioned to a role as Manager of the Advanced Projects Office for the Constellation Program.
Fast facts
- Born: 8 October 1959, Lima, Peru
- Education: Adrian C. Wilcox High School, University of Southern California, Naval Postgraduate School
- Military Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
- First Spaceflight: STS-84, 1997
- Total Spacewalks: 3
- Awards: Great Immigrants Award, Commander of the Order of the Sun of Peru, Air Medal
- NASA Retirement: January 2005
Questions readers ask
What was Carlos Noriega's primary role in the military before NASA?
He was a Marine Corps officer who flew CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters and served as a Space Surveillance Center Commander.
Did Carlos Noriega perform any spacewalks?
Yes, he completed three spacewalks during the STS-97 mission in 2000, totaling over 19 hours of EVA time.
Achievements
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at University of Southern California, Naval Postgraduate School and Adrian C. Wilcox High School
- Worked as military officer and astronaut
