The selection of Dorothy M. Metcalf-Lindenburger by NASA in May 2004 marked a transition for the agency, as she became the first alumna of the Space Camp program to be chosen as an astronaut. Her professional trajectory reflects a synthesis of earth-bound geological research and intensive technical preparation for operations within the International Space Station environment.
Academic and Teaching Background
Born in Colorado Springs in 1975, Metcalf-Lindenburger attended Fort Collins High School before enrolling at Whitman College. She focused her undergraduate studies on geology, performing field mapping in Wyoming and Colorado between 1995 and 1996. After graduating in 1997, she pursued a teaching certification at Central Washington University, completing the program in 1999. She spent five years instructing students in earth science and astronomy at Hudson's Bay High School in Vancouver, Washington, while also coaching cross-country and Science Olympiad teams. In 2016, she earned a master's degree in geology from the University of Washington.
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Following her astronaut candidate training, which concluded in February 2006, Metcalf-Lindenburger served as a mission specialist for STS-131. This mission, launched aboard Discovery in April 2010, focused on resupplying the International Space Station. The crew delivered over 27,000 pounds of equipment, including the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo. The cargo featured the Minus Eighty Degree Laboratory Freezer for ISS, the Window Orbital Research Facility, and various experiment racks. The mission lasted over 15 days, covering more than 6 million miles across 238 orbits before returning to Earth.
Undersea Exploration and Retirement
Beyond orbital flight, Metcalf-Lindenburger participated in undersea research. In 2012, she commanded the NEEMO 16 mission, an exploration exercise conducted at the Aquarius underwater laboratory. The crew arrived on June 11 and attained aquanaut status after spending 24 hours submerged, eventually returning to the surface on June 22. She retired from NASA on June 13, 2014, shifting her focus to work within the Seattle area.
Professional Affiliations and Interests
Throughout her career, she maintained involvement with several professional and academic organizations, including Phi Beta Kappa and the National Education Association. She also served as a lead singer for the all-astronaut rock band Max Q. Her contributions to science communication include outreach efforts such as presentations for The Mars Generation.
Fast facts
- Born: 1975, Colorado Springs
- Undergraduate Education: Whitman College
- NASA Selection: May 2004
- Space Mission: STS-131
- NEEMO Mission: 16
- Retirement from NASA: June 13, 2014
- Master of Science: University of Washington
Questions readers ask
Did Dorothy M. Metcalf-Lindenburger perform any spacewalks?
While the STS-131 mission she participated in included spacewalks for the installation of an ammonia coolant tank, the mission's primary objective for her involved logistics and resupply.
What was her role before joining NASA?
She was a high school earth science and astronomy teacher at Hudson's Bay High School in Vancouver, Washington.
Achievements
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at Whitman College and Fort Collins High School
- Worked as astronaut, teacher and geologist