George D. Zamka recorded over 3,500 flight hours across 30 different aircraft during a military and aeronautical career that spanned three decades. A former United States Marine Corps colonel, he transitioned from combat pilot to astronaut, eventually logging more than 692 hours in space across two critical Space Shuttle missions to the International Space Station.
Early Life and Education
Born on June 29, 1962, at Margaret Hague Hospital in Jersey City, New Jersey, Zamka spent his formative years in locations including New York City, Irvington, New York, Medellín, Colombia, and Rochester Hills, Michigan. He completed his secondary education at Rochester Adams High School in 1980. His academic foundation was built at the United States Naval Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in mathematics in 1984. He later obtained a Master of Science in engineering management from the Florida Institute of Technology in 1997.
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Upon graduating from the Naval Academy, Zamka accepted a commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. Between 1985 and 1987, he underwent A-6E Intruder training at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. His operational experience included serving as a squadron weapons and tactics instructor and flying 66 combat missions during Operation Desert Storm. After graduating from the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School in 1994, he served as an F/A-18 Hornet test pilot. He concluded nearly 30 years of military service when he retired as a colonel in August 2010.
Spaceflight and NASA Career
NASA selected Zamka for its astronaut program in June 1998. During his tenure, he led the Shuttle training and procedures division and supervised the astronaut candidate class of 2004. His first spaceflight was as pilot of STS-120 in 2007. In February 2010, he served as commander for mission STS-130. Across these two shuttle assignments, he traveled 12 million miles before retiring from the agency in March 2013.
Recognition and Public Engagement
Zamka holds multiple military decorations, including the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. In 2010, he was awarded the Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland. Beyond his technical duties, he engaged in outreach, such as his 2008 visit to the Planetarium of Bogotá to discuss space exploration with students and educators. As of May 2018, he serves as chairman of the board of the National Association of Spaceports.
Fast facts
- Born: 29 June 1962
- Birthplace: Jersey City, New Jersey
- Rank: Colonel, United States Marine Corps
- Education: United States Naval Academy (BS), Florida Institute of Technology (MS)
- Space Missions: STS-120, STS-130
- Flight Hours: Over 3,500 in 30+ aircraft
- Total Spaceflight Time: Over 692 hours
Questions readers ask
What aircraft did George D. Zamka pilot during his military career?
He trained on and flew more than 30 different aircraft, including the A-6E Intruder and the F/A-18 Hornet.
What was Zamka's role in the STS-130 mission?
He served as the commander of the mission, which launched in February 2010.
Achievements
- Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, Florida Institute of Technology and United States Naval Academy
- Worked as military officer and astronaut
