Two space flights, STS-123 and STS-134, define the orbital experience of Gregory H. Johnson, a retired United States Air Force colonel and former NASA astronaut. His contributions span from piloting the final journey of Space Shuttle Endeavour to conducting complex robotic operations at the International Space Station, all while maintaining a career focused on flight safety and engineering.
Early Career and Combat Service
Born in 1962 in South Ruislip, Johnson began his military trajectory after graduating from the United States Air Force Academy in 1984. Following pilot training at Reese Air Force Base, he spent years as an instructor before transitioning to the F-15E Eagle. His combat experience includes 34 missions during Operation Desert Storm in 1990 and 27 missions for Operation Southern Watch in 1992. His nickname, Box, emerged during his service in Saudi Arabia following a back injury that resulted in his belongings being packed into a container.
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After graduating from the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base in 1993, Johnson logged over 5,000 flight hours across more than 50 aircraft types. He joined NASA in 1998, completing his candidate training by 2000. Within the agency, he served as a technical assistant and participated in the Shuttle Cockpit Avionics Upgrade council. He was a key investigator for the Columbia accident in 2003, contributing to critical testing regarding external tank foam debris.
Space Shuttle Missions
Johnson served as pilot for STS-123 in 2008, where he operated the robotic arm to deliver the Kibo logistics module and the Dextre robot. In 2011, he returned to space as the pilot of STS-134, which marked the final flight for Space Shuttle Endeavour. Beyond these missions, he acted as a capsule communicator and held various safety leadership roles before retiring from the Air Force in 2009 to continue his work at NASA as a civilian.
Post-NASA Professional Roles
Following his tenure at NASA, Johnson assumed the role of President and executive director for the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, a position he held until March 2018. His career shift into the private sector included collaborative work with Lockheed Martin. His educational background includes advanced degrees from Columbia University and the University of Texas at Austin, complementing his extensive operational experience.
Fast facts
- Born: 1962, South Ruislip
- Military Rank: Colonel, USAF (Ret.)
- Space Missions: STS-123 and STS-134
- Flight Hours: Over 5,000
- Awards: Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Eagle Scout
- Education: US Air Force Academy, Columbia University, University of Texas at Austin
Questions readers ask
How did he get the nickname Box?
During the Desert Storm deployment, he suffered a back injury and was sent home; his belongings were packed into a box, and the name was written on it by fellow soldiers.
What was his role on the Columbia accident investigation?
He served on the External Tank foam impact test team, which identified that debris could damage the thermal protection system.
Achievements
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science and United States Air Force Academy
- Worked as military officer and astronaut
