Seven days of total water immersion served as the primary method for Duane Graveline to research human zero-gravity deconditioning while serving as a United States Air Force scientist. This unconventional study of prolonged weightlessness prepared the groundwork for vital countermeasures, including the prototype lower body negative pressure device eventually utilized on the Space Shuttle and orbital stations.
Military and Medical Foundations
Born in Newport, Vermont, in 1931, Graveline pursued a medical career after graduating from the University of Vermont in 1955. His military service began with the Air Force Medical Service, where he earned his flight surgeon rating in 1957. By 1960, he completed his aerospace medicine residency at Brooks Air Force Base, transitioning into research roles focused on the biological effects of space flight and serving as an intelligence analyst for Soviet bioastronautics.
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In June 1965, NASA selected Graveline as part of its fourth astronaut group, specifically among the first cohort of scientist astronauts. His tenure was brief; he resigned on August 18, 1965, while training at Williams Air Force Base. He holds the distinction of being the first astronaut to depart the program before receiving a flight assignment, a decision later linked to the pressure of an impending divorce.
Return to Service and Professional Controversy
After nearly two decades as a family practitioner in Burlington, Vermont, Graveline returned to NASA in 1981 to oversee medical operations for the initial four Space Shuttle launches at Kennedy Space Center. His career faced significant disruptions in Vermont, starting with a temporary suspension of his medical license in 1987 involving narcotic discrepancies. In 1994, the state permanently revoked his license following allegations of sexual abuse against five children.
Later Years and Literary Output
Following the loss of his medical license, Graveline retired to focus on writing. He self-published 15 science fiction and medical thrillers throughout his later years. He also continued his interest in space medicine, including 2004 research regarding the impact of galactic cosmic radiation on the brains of mice. Graveline died on September 5, 2016, and was interred at Arlington National Cemetery in 2017.
Fast facts
- Born: 1931, Newport, Vermont
- Died: 2016, Merritt Island
- Education: University of Vermont, Johns Hopkins University
- Military Rank: Colonel
- NASA Selection: 1965
- Arlington National Cemetery: Section 76, Grave 1046
Questions readers ask
Why did Duane Graveline leave NASA?
He resigned in August 1965 prior to being assigned a mission, with public reports citing personal reasons and later disclosures identifying the cause as an impending divorce.
What medical research is he most noted for?
He conducted original research on biological deconditioning in weightlessness, specifically through water immersion studies and the development of the prototype lower body negative pressure device.
Achievements
- Recorded as military officer, physician and astronaut
