Frank L. Culbertson commanded the International Space Station during the September 11 attacks, serving as the only United States citizen outside the planetary atmosphere during the event. His career encompasses extensive service as a naval aviator and test pilot, followed by a transition into critical management roles during the development of long-duration space infrastructure.
Naval Aviation and Test Pilot Service
Born in 1949 in Charleston, South Carolina, Culbertson graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1971. He served aboard the USS Fox before completing naval aviator training in 1973. His military career included flying F-4 Phantom aircraft with VF-151 on the USS Midway and instructing on weapons and tactics at Luke Air Force Base. In 1982, he graduated from the United States Naval Test Pilot School. He logged over 9,000 flight hours across 62 aircraft types, performing 450 carrier landings.
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Selected as a NASA astronaut candidate in 1984, Culbertson focused on shuttle safety and integration. Following the Challenger accident in 1986, he assisted with investigations at NASA Headquarters. He served as lead astronaut for the Shuttle Avionics Integration Laboratory and acted as the spacecraft communicator for seven shuttle missions. His technical work included redesigning shuttle nosewheel steering and managing emergency egress procedures.
Shuttle-Mir and International Space Station Leadership
Culbertson managed the Shuttle-Mir Program starting in 1995, overseeing nine docking missions. This experience provided the foundation for his later work as Deputy Program Manager for Operations of the International Space Station. In 2001, he served as the Expedition 3 commander, living aboard the station for 129 days. During this tenure, he documented the aftermath of the September 11 attacks from orbit, capturing images of the smoke over Manhattan.
Professional Transition to Private Industry
After retiring from NASA in 2002, Culbertson entered the private sector to leverage his aerospace expertise. He joined SAIC as a senior vice president to manage safety and reliability contracts. In 2008, he transitioned to Orbital Sciences Corporation, where he directed human spaceflight programs and COTS/CRS initiatives.
Fast facts
- Born: 1949, Charleston, United States
- Military Rank: Captain
- Space Missions: STS-38, STS-51, Expedition 3
- Education: United States Naval Academy, United States Naval Test Pilot School
- NASA Distinguished Service Medal: 2002
- Medal for Merit in Space Exploration: 2011
- Total Spaceflight Duration: Over 143 days
Questions readers ask
What missions did Frank L. Culbertson fly?
He was a veteran of three flights: STS-38, STS-51, and Expedition 3 to the International Space Station.
What was his role during the September 11 attacks?
He was serving as commander of the International Space Station and was the only American not on Earth at that time.
Achievements
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at United States Naval Academy and United States Naval Test Pilot School
- Worked as military officer, astronaut and military flight engineer