Over 4,500 hours of flight time were logged by Don L. Lind during his naval and NASA career, a tenure spanning from his initial commission in the 1950s to his final mission in 1985. As a physicist and aviator, he balanced technical scientific research with the demands of operational flight within the United States space program.
Early Education and Naval Service
Born in 1930 in Midvale, Utah, Lind attended Jordan High School before enrolling at the University of Utah, where he completed a physics degree in 1953. His military career began after he was drafted into the Army, though he subsequently transitioned to the Navy. He attended Officer Candidate School and earned his naval aviator wings in 1955. Throughout his service, including time aboard the USS Hancock, he attained the rank of commander in the United States Naval Reserve by 1969.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Academic Research and Transition to NASA
Following his initial military obligation, Lind pursued advanced studies at the University of California, Berkeley. In 1964, he earned a PhD in high-energy nuclear physics. His research included pion-nucleon scattering at the Lawrence Radiation Laboratory. Before joining the astronaut corps, he worked as a space physicist at the Goddard Research Center between 1964 and 1966, focusing on low-energy particles in the Earth's magnetosphere.
Astronaut Selection and Apollo Support
In April 1966, NASA selected Lind as part of the fifth group of astronauts, known as the Original Nineteen. His dual background as a scientist and pilot distinguished his role within the program. During the Apollo era, he contributed to the development of the Apollo 11 extravehicular activities and served as a capsule communicator for both the Apollo 11 and Apollo 12 missions.
Skylab and Final Space Flight
Lind transitioned to the Skylab program in 1969, serving as a backup pilot for Skylab 3 and Skylab 4. He also remained available for potential rescue missions during that timeframe. In 1985, he served as payload commander for STS-51-B. His mission objectives included microgravity research, atmospheric measurement, and a specific experiment designed to capture the Earth's aurora. The flight concluded after 110 orbits with a landing at Edwards Air Force Base.
Fast facts
- Born: 1930, Midvale
- Died: 2022
- Education: University of Utah, University of California, Berkeley
- Military Rank: Commander
- Space Flight: STS-51-B (1985)
- Awards: NASA Exceptional Service Medal (1974), Eagle Scout
Questions readers ask
What scientific research did Don L. Lind perform in space?
He focused on microgravity research, atmospheric measurement, and successfully designed an experiment to capture the Earth's aurora.
What was Lind's primary role during the Apollo missions?
He helped develop and demonstrate flight plans for extravehicular activities and served as a capsule communicator for Apollo 11 and Apollo 12.
Achievements
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration and Utah State University
- Educated at University of Utah, University of California, Berkeley and Jordan High School
- Worked as military officer, astronaut and priest
