Space Shuttle mission STS-125 remains the defining operation for pilot Gregory C. Johnson, marking the final attempt to service the Hubble Space Telescope. Spanning thirteen days in May 2009, this complex endeavor required precision navigation and mechanical expertise to upgrade one of humanity's most significant scientific tools, ensuring its operational viability for years to follow.
Early Education and Naval Training
Born in Seattle in 1954, Johnson completed his secondary education at West Seattle High School before enrolling at the University of Washington. He graduated in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering. His military career commenced in 1977 through the Aviation Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida. By December 1978, he earned his Naval Aviator wings, eventually transitioning to the A-6E Intruder.
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In 1984, he entered the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base. Following his tenure there, he conducted flight tests for F/A-18A Hornet and A-6E Intruder platforms at China Lake, California. He logged over 10,800 flight hours throughout his career, accumulating more than 500 carrier landings before transitioning to a civilian role with NASA at the Ellington Field facility in Texas.
NASA Operations and Management
Johnson joined NASA in 1990 as a research pilot and engineer, later becoming the Chief of the Maintenance and Engineering Branch for the agency's 44-aircraft fleet. In 1998, he was selected as an astronaut candidate. His responsibilities included serving as a manager for launch integration at Kennedy Space Center and acting as a technical representative for orbiter landing systems.
The Hubble Servicing Mission
During the STS-125 flight aboard the shuttle Atlantis, Johnson served as pilot. The mission successfully installed the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph and Wide Field Camera 3, alongside hardware updates including gyroscopes and battery modules. The crew utilized an IMAX camera to document the repairs, which extended the telescope's functional lifespan while improving its thermal protection systems.
Fast facts
- Born: 1954, Seattle
- Education: University of Washington, B.S. Aerospace Engineering
- Military Rank: Captain (USNR, Ret.)
- Total flight hours: Over 10,800
- Carrier landings: Over 500
- NASA Group: 1998 Astronaut Group 17
- Spaceflight: Pilot, STS-125
- Retirement date: October 1, 2007
Questions readers ask
Was Gregory C. Johnson related to the other Gregory H. Johnson in his NASA class?
No, the two astronauts were not related; they were distinguished by their call signs, with Gregory C. Johnson known as 'Ray J'.
What was the primary goal of the STS-125 mission?
The mission was the final shuttle-based servicing of the Hubble Space Telescope, focused on installing new cameras, sensors, and battery modules.
Achievements
- Educated at U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, University of Washington and West Seattle High School
- Worked as astronaut and military flight engineer
