A assignment to pilot the STS-113 space shuttle mission defined the professional trajectory of Christopher Loria until a physical disability halted his flight career. Born in 1960 in Newton, Massachusetts, this United States Marine Corps Colonel transitioned from experimental flight testing to the rigorous demands of NASA mission operations, navigating a path through both cockpit duties and federal administrative leadership roles.
Aeronautical Testing and Marine Corps Service
Loria received his commission in 1983 following his graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy. Designated a Naval Aviator in 1988, he spent years operating the F/A-18 Hornet. His tenure included a deployment for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, where he completed 42 combat missions. In 1992, he entered the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. As an experimental test pilot at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, between 1994 and 1996, he evaluated flight qualities for the F/A-18 and the X-31A aircraft, earning the Naval Test Wing Atlantic's test pilot of the year award in 1995.
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Selected as an astronaut candidate in April 1996, Loria reported to the Johnson Space Center. His early technical roles included serving as an Ascent and Entry CAPCOM for multiple shuttle missions, including STS-102 and STS-106, as well as an ISS CAPCOM for Expedition III. Though slated to pilot STS-113, two herniated discs in his lower back resulted in his medical disqualification from flight in 2005. He subsequently transitioned to the Constellation Program as Deputy Chief Engineer before returning to the Marine Corps.
Academic Pursuit and Public Service
Loria pursued extensive education throughout his career, including a Bachelor of Science from the U.S. Naval Academy and a Master in Public Administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government in 2004. He later earned an Executive Certificate from the MIT Sloan School of Management in 2008. His post-military career saw him serve as the Director of the Earth Resources Observation and Science center for the U.S. Geological Survey. He also held consultant roles for the National Science Foundation and the Office of Congressman Jim Bridenstine, while working on strategic programs for the Defense Information Systems Agency.
Fast facts
- Born: 1960, Newton, Massachusetts
- Military rank: Colonel
- Education: U.S. Naval Academy, Harvard University, MIT
- Total flight time: 3,079 hours
- Aircraft flown: 32 different types
- Final military assignment: NORAD Cheyenne Mountain Complex
- Retirement date: December 1, 2008
Questions readers ask
Why did Christopher Loria not fly on the STS-113 mission?
He was medically grounded following the diagnosis of two herniated discs in his lower back during the summer of 2002.
What was his role at the U.S. Geological Survey?
He served as the Director of the Earth Resources Observation and Science center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Achievements
- Recorded as military officer and astronaut
