During the STS-120 mission in 2007, Douglas H. Wheelock completed three spacewalks and participated in an emergency solar array repair while orbiting the Earth 238 times. This mission served as the introduction to spaceflight for the Binghamton-born engineer, who later commanded the International Space Station and contributed to critical hardware testing for the Orion spacecraft program.
Military Foundation and Education
Wheelock graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1983 before entering U.S. Army flight training. He achieved the rank of colonel and served as a combat aviation section leader and air cavalry troop commander. His technical expertise grew through his tenure as an experimental test pilot at the Army Aviation Technical Test Center, where he focused on tactical reconnaissance systems. He furthered his academic credentials with a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1992.
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In 1996, Wheelock joined the Johnson Space Center as a Space Shuttle integration test engineer, coordinating launch and landing operations. His capacity for cross-agency cooperation led to his role as a Russian Liaison within the NASA Astronaut Office. He spent significant time in Moscow and at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, where he helped develop dual-language procedures and oversaw the logistical loading of uncrewed resupply capsules. He later directed operations for NASA in Star City, Russia, bridging the gap between American and Russian aerospace administrative requirements.
Spaceflight and Command
Following his 2007 debut on the Space Shuttle Discovery, Wheelock served as the commander of Expedition 25 in 2010. His career encompasses 178 days in orbit across Space Shuttle, International Space Station, and Russian Soyuz missions. Beyond his time in space, he gained experience as an aquanaut during the NEEMO 6 mission, spending ten days in the Aquarius underwater laboratory to simulate extreme environment operations.
Fast facts
- Born: 1960, Binghamton, United States
- Education: United States Military Academy, Georgia Tech
- Military Rank: Colonel
- Notable Mission: Expedition 25 Commander
- Awards: NASA Distinguished Service Medal
- Flight Hours: Over 2,500 hours
Questions readers ask
What is Douglas Wheelock's current focus at NASA?
As of 2019, he has been involved in testing systems for the Orion spacecraft at the Glenn Research Center.
Did Wheelock serve in the military while at NASA?
Yes, he returned to active duty with the U.S. Army in 2011 to support Operation Enduring Freedom.
Achievements
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at United States Army Command and General Staff College, United States Military Academy and Georgia Tech
- Worked as astronaut and engineer
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