The command of the SpaceX Crew Dragon Demo-2 mission established a historical milestone as the first orbital spaceflight launched from American soil on a commercial spacecraft. Douglas G. Hurley served as the commander for this pivotal flight, marking a transition in how the United States approaches the orbital delivery of personnel to the International Space Station.
Military Foundation and Test Pilot Career
Born in Endicott in 1966, Hurley pursued an education in civil engineering at Tulane University, graduating magna cum laude in 1988. He received his commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps that same year. After attending The Basic School and completing flight training in Texas, he became a designated Naval Aviator in 1991. His military service included deployments to the Western Pacific with VMFA(AW)-225. In 1997, he entered the United States Naval Test Pilot School at Patuxent River. As a project officer with the Naval Strike Aircraft Test Squadron, he became the first Marine to fly the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet, contributing over 5,500 flight hours across more than 25 aircraft types.
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Hurley participated in two missions during the final years of the Space Shuttle program. In July 2009, he served as the pilot for STS-127, an assembly mission that delivered equipment to the International Space Station. In July 2011, he returned to space as the pilot for STS-135, the final flight of the Space Shuttle Atlantis. This concluding mission focused on cargo delivery and experimental robotic refueling techniques.
Commercial Crew Development
Following his shuttle missions, Hurley held positions including Assistant Director of the Flight Crew Operations Directorate and the Commercial Crew Program. In 2015, he was selected as one of the inaugural astronauts for the commercial spaceflight initiative. He trained with SpaceX and Boeing before his assignment as the commander of the Crew Dragon Demo-2 mission in 2018. The successful launch on May 30, 2020, resulted in a docking with the International Space Station the following day. The mission concluded on August 2, 2020, with a splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico.
Retirement and Honors
After a 21-year tenure with the agency, Hurley retired from his position in 2021. His service has been recognized through various awards, including the Stephen A. Hazelrigg Memorial Award and the Meritorious Service Medal. In 2023, he received the Congressional Space Medal of Honor for his contributions to the American space program.
Fast facts
- Born: 1966, Endicott
- Military Rank: Colonel
- Education: Tulane University, United States Naval Test Pilot School
- Space Shuttle Missions: STS-127, STS-135
- Commercial Flight: SpaceX Crew Dragon Demo-2
- Awards: Congressional Space Medal of Honor (2023)
- Call Sign: Chunky
Questions readers ask
What was the significance of the SpaceX Crew Dragon Demo-2 mission?
It was the first crewed spaceflight from American soil since 2011 and the first time an astronaut launched aboard a commercial orbital spacecraft.
When did Douglas G. Hurley retire from the space agency?
He retired from the agency on July 16, 2021, after 21 years of service.
Achievements
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at Tulane University, United States Naval Test Pilot School and The Basic School
- Worked as astronaut, military officer and engineer
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