David Leestma logged 532.7 hours in space as a mission specialist across three separate shuttle flights during the 1980s and 1990s. Beyond his orbital experience, he served as a career military officer and pilot, managing complex flight operations and engineering projects for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration after retiring from active duty as a captain in the United States Navy.
Military Foundation and Aviation
Born in 1949 in Muskegon, Michigan, Leestma graduated at the top of his class from the United States Naval Academy in 1971. He obtained a Master of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in 1972 before earning his Naval Flight Officer wings. His military service included deployments aboard the USS John F. Kennedy. As an operational test director with Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Four, he performed critical testing on tactical software and avionics for the F-14A Tomcat, eventually logging nearly 1,500 hours in that aircraft.
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Selected for NASA Astronaut Group 9 in 1980, Leestma became the first member of that cohort to enter space. His first mission, STS-41-G, launched in October 1984, where he participated in a 3.5-hour extravehicular activity to test satellite refueling. He later served on STS-28, which carried Department of Defense payloads, and concluded his flight career on STS-45 in 1992. The latter mission focused on the Atmospheric Laboratory for Applications and Science, conducting measurements to improve climate and atmospheric understanding.
Leadership and Management
Leestma transitioned into significant leadership roles within the agency, serving as the Director of the Flight Crew Operations Directorate starting in November 1992. In this capacity, he oversaw 41 shuttle flights and seven missions to the Mir space station while managing the selection of Astronaut Groups 15, 16, and 17. His later career involved engineering management, including the Space Launch Initiative and the Orbital Space Plane Program, focusing on systems for future crewed transport vehicles.
Fast facts
- Born: 1949, Muskegon, United States
- Military Rank: Captain, United States Navy
- Total Space Flight Time: 532.7 hours
- Education: United States Naval Academy, U.S. Naval Postgraduate School
- First Space Mission: STS-41-G, 1984
- Awards: Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit
- Notable NASA Role: Director, Flight Crew Operations Directorate
Questions readers ask
How many space missions did David Leestma complete?
He completed three space missions: STS-41-G in 1984, STS-28 in 1989, and STS-45 in 1992.
What was his primary military specialty?
Leestma was a Naval Flight Officer who specialized in testing and evaluating F-14A Tomcat avionics and tactical software.
Achievements
- Distinguished Flying Cross
- Legionnaire of Legion of Merit
- Recorded as military officer, astronaut and aircraft pilot
