Over 3,200 flight hours across 41 different aircraft types define the professional trajectory of Dominic A. Antonelli, a United States astronaut and military officer. Born in 1967 in Detroit, Michigan, he transitioned from a career as a Naval Aviator to playing a critical role in the assembly and maintenance of the International Space Station infrastructure during two distinct shuttle missions.
Academic Foundation
Antonelli attended Douglas Byrd High School in Fayetteville, North Carolina. His technical education continued at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in aeronautics and astronautics. He furthered his expertise by obtaining a Master of Science in the same field from the University of Washington. His pilot training culminated as a Distinguished Graduate of the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, where he served as a Navy Exchange Pilot.
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As a fleet Naval Aviator and Landing Signal Officer, Antonelli operated from the USS Nimitz. Flying F/A-18C Hornets with the Blue Diamonds squadron, VFA-146, he participated in Operation Southern Watch. His military record includes 273 carrier arrested landings. His service earned him several commendations, including the Navy Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, two Navy Achievement Medals, and two Unit Battle Efficiency Awards. He was also named the CVW-9 Landing Signal Officer of the Year.
NASA Operations
In July 2000, NASA selected Antonelli as an astronaut candidate. He spent several years in technical roles before his first spaceflight assignment. On March 15, 2009, he served as pilot for the STS-119 mission. This flight delivered the final power-generating solar array wings and a truss element to the International Space Station. On May 14, 2010, he returned to space as the pilot for STS-132, which transported the Russian Mini-Research Module 1 to the station. His efforts with the agency were recognized with the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal, the NASA Superior Accomplishment Award, and the NASA Return-to-Flight Award.
Fast facts
- Born: 1967, Detroit
- Education: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Washington
- Military Rank: Commander
- Flight Hours: Over 3,200
- Carrier Landings: 273
- NASA Selection: July 2000
- Space Missions: STS-119, STS-132
Questions readers ask
What specific missions did Dominic A. Antonelli pilot?
He served as the pilot for the STS-119 mission in 2009 and the STS-132 mission in 2010.
Which aircraft did he fly during his military career?
He flew F/A-18C Hornets while serving with the Blue Diamonds (VFA-146) aboard the USS Nimitz.
Achievements
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and University of Washington
- Worked as military officer, astronaut and engineer
