American Airlines Flight 11 carried Charles Edward Jones on September 11, 2001, during a routine business trip that ended his life at age 48. A career United States Air Force officer and astronaut, Jones transitioned from high-altitude space flight training into intelligence and defense management, serving his country across multiple technical and military capacities until his death.
Academic and Military Foundation
Born on November 8, 1952, in Clinton, Indiana, Jones followed a trajectory defined by rigorous technical education. He completed his studies at Wichita East High School in 1970 before entering the United States Air Force Academy. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Astronautical Engineering in 1974. His academic focus continued at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he obtained a Master of Science degree in astronautics in 1980.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Spaceflight Training and Program Cancellation
In 1982, Jones joined the USAF Manned Spaceflight Engineer Program. His career path was marked by the pursuit of orbital flight, culminating in his selection for mission STS-71-B, which was scheduled for December 1986. Following the Challenger disaster in January 1986, the mission faced cancellation, and Jones eventually left the Manned Spaceflight Engineer program in 1987.
Defense and Intelligence Career
After departing the spaceflight program, Jones shifted his expertise toward defense intelligence and systems management. He served at the Defense Intelligence Agency at Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C. His professional progression led to the role of Systems Program Director for Intelligence and Information Systems at Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts. In his final professional years, he worked as a manager of space programs for BAE Systems while living in Bedford, Massachusetts.
Legacy and Memorialization
Jones held the rank of retired U.S. Air Force colonel and received decorations including the Senior Missile Badge. Following the attacks of September 11, 2001, his remains were never recovered. Today, he is memorialized at the National 9/11 Memorial, where his name is inscribed on Panel N-74 at the North Pool.
Fast facts
- Born: 8 November 1952, Clinton, Indiana
- Died: 11 September 2001, 1 World Trade Center
- Education: United States Air Force Academy, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Occupations: Astronaut, computer scientist, military historian, journalist, military flight engineer
- Military Status: Retired U.S. Air Force colonel
- Award: Senior Missile Badge
Questions readers ask
Did Charles Edward Jones ever travel to space?
No, although he was an astronaut in the USAF Manned Spaceflight Engineer Program and was scheduled for a 1986 mission, that flight was canceled.
Where is Charles Edward Jones buried?
His remains were never found following the September 11 attacks, though he is memorialized at the North Pool of the National 9/11 Memorial.
Achievements
- Recorded as air force officer, astronaut and computer scientist
