Curtis Brown logged over 1,383 hours in space across six shuttle missions during a career as a NASA astronaut and United States Air Force colonel. Born in Elizabethtown in 1956, he transitioned from a military pilot career to a central role in complex orbital operations, including critical maintenance missions for the Hubble Space Telescope.
Military Service and Flight Training
After graduating from East Bladen High School in 1974, Brown attended the United States Air Force Academy, receiving a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering in 1978. Following his commission as a second lieutenant, he completed Undergraduate Pilot Training at Laughlin Air Force Base. He gained extensive experience flying A-10 aircraft at Myrtle Beach Air Force Base and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. His expertise in weapons, tactics, and flight testing developed further at the USAF Fighter Weapons School and the USAF Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base. Before his selection by NASA, he served as a test pilot for A-10 and F-16 aircraft, eventually logging over 6,000 flight hours in various jet aircraft.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →NASA Career and Shuttle Operations
Selected as an astronaut candidate in June 1987, Brown completed his training by August 1988. His technical contributions at NASA included developing the Flight Data File and upgrading the Shuttle Mission Simulator. He also served in key operational roles, such as lead spacecraft communicator and Deputy Director of the Flight Crew Operations Directorate. His flight career as a pilot began with STS-47, STS-66, and STS-77, followed by three missions as spacecraft commander: STS-85, STS-95, and STS-103.
Missions and Scientific Contributions
Brown's missions spanned a wide array of scientific and technical objectives. During STS-77, he oversaw the deployment and retrieval of a SPARTAN satellite and the testing of inflatable antenna technology. His tenure as commander on STS-95 involved high-profile research, including the return of Senator John Glenn to space. On his final flight, STS-103, he commanded the Discovery crew during a critical servicing mission to the Hubble Space Telescope, which involved three spacewalks to install new instruments and upgrade onboard systems.
Awards and Later Career
After departing NASA in May 2000, Brown transitioned to commercial aviation, serving as a pilot for American Airlines and later Sun Country Airlines. His service and contributions to space exploration have been formally recognized with the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, awarded in 1998, 1999, and 2001. In April 2013, he was inducted into the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame.
Fast facts
- Born: 1956, Elizabethtown
- Education: United States Air Force Academy, U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School
- Military Rank: Colonel
- Space Missions: 6
- Total Space Flight Time: Over 1,383 hours
- Total Jet Flight Time: Over 6,000 hours
- Primary Awards: NASA Distinguished Service Medal (1998, 1999, 2001)
- Hall of Fame Induction: 2013
Questions readers ask
How many times did Curtis Brown fly into space?
He completed six space flights between 1992 and 1999.
What aircraft did Brown fly as a test pilot?
He served as a test pilot for both A-10 and F-16 aircraft.
Achievements
- United States Astronaut Hall of Fame
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and United States Air Force Academy
- Worked as military officer and astronaut
