The Space Cup, which holds the first patent for an object invented in orbit, highlights the inventive career of Donald Pettit. A veteran chemical engineer and astronaut, Pettit has spent 590 days in space over multiple missions, serving as a primary researcher for fluid dynamics and microgravity behavior since his selection by NASA in 1996.
Academic Background
Born in 1955 in Silverton, Oregon, Pettit developed an early interest in scientific exploration. He attended Silverton High School before enrolling at Oregon State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering in 1978. He continued his studies at the University of Arizona, completing his Ph.D. in 1983. Prior to his spaceflight career, he served as a scientist at Los Alamos National Laboratory for twelve years.
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Pettit began his flight career as an engineer on Expedition 6, launching in 2002 aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour. When the Columbia disaster grounded the shuttle fleet, his crew returned via a Russian Soyuz TMA-1 capsule in 2003. This descent involved an emergency ballistic reentry, exposing the crew to eight G-forces. Later, he served as a mission specialist on STS-126, focusing on experiments regarding particle clumping in microgravity to understand planetary formation.
Technological Milestones in Orbit
During Expedition 30/31 in 2012, Pettit became the first human to enter a commercially built spacecraft in orbit, boarding the SpaceX Dragon 1 after grappling it with the station's robotic arm. He utilized his time on the International Space Station to conduct public-facing educational outreach, including the 'Saturday Morning Science' series and collaborations with the Angry Birds franchise to explain orbital physics.
Recent Operations
In 2024, Pettit launched aboard Soyuz MS-26 for a 220-day mission. During this time, he conducted research on water purification and plant growth. Returning on his 70th birthday in April 2025, he established himself as the oldest active-duty NASA astronaut to return from an orbital mission. His career is marked by thousands of unique astrophotography images, including the viral 'Lightning Bugs' series.
Fast facts
- Born: 1955, Silverton
- Education: Oregon State University; University of Arizona
- Employer: NASA
- Total days in space: 590
- Notable invention: Space Cup
- Awards: NASA Distinguished Service Medal (2003, 2012)
- Citizenship: United States
- Eagle Scout
Questions readers ask
What was the result of the 2003 Soyuz TMA-1 reentry?
A guidance system failure caused a ballistic reentry, subjecting the crew to over 8 Gs and causing a shoulder injury to Pettit.
What was the significance of the May 2012 SpaceX Dragon mission?
It was the first time a private spacecraft rendezvoused with the ISS, and Pettit became the first astronaut to enter a commercial vessel in orbit.
Achievements
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at University of Arizona, Oregon State University and Silverton High School
- Worked as astronaut, chemist and engineer
