James Hansen Newman began his tenure as a NASA astronaut in 1990, eventually accumulating over 43 days in space across four separate Space Shuttle missions. Before transitioning to academic leadership, the physicist applied his expertise in atomic and molecular collisions to flight crew training, robotic arm integration, and complex assembly operations for the International Space Station.
Academic and Research Background
Before joining the space program, Newman pursued advanced studies in physics. He graduated from Rice University in 1984, where he spent an additional year conducting post-doctoral research. His scientific work focused on the design and testing of detection systems to measure cross sections in atomic and molecular collisions. In 1985, he became an adjunct professor in the Department of Space Physics and Astronomy at Rice.
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Newman joined NASA in 1985 at the Johnson Space Center. He initially focused on flight crew and control team training, specifically managing propulsion, guidance, and control for the Orbiter. As a simulation supervisor, he led teams of instructors. Following his selection as an astronaut in January 1990, he provided technical support for mission operations, including crew egress procedures and the development of on-board laptop computer systems.
Space Flight Missions
His flight experience began with STS-51 in 1993, followed by STS-69 in 1995. During these missions, he participated in the deployment of satellites and conducted spacewalks to test equipment. In 1998, he served on the STS-88 mission, which marked the first assembly flight for the International Space Station, where he performed three spacewalks to connect power and data lines. His final space flight was on STS-109 in 2002, the fourth servicing mission for the Hubble Space Telescope.
Management and Academic Leadership
Between 2002 and 2006, Newman directed human space flight programs in Russia, acting as the primary liaison between NASA and the Russian Federal Space Agency. He oversaw operations, logistics, and crew training in Moscow, Korolev, and Star City. In 2006, he moved to the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, eventually accepting a faculty position in 2008 to teach and research the use of small satellites.
Fast facts
- Born: 1956
- Birthplace: Federated States of Micronesia
- Education: Rice University, Dartmouth College
- Space Shuttle Missions: 4
- Total Spacewalks: 6
- Total Time in Space: Over 43 days
- Award: NASA Distinguished Service Medal (2003)
- Current Affiliation: Naval Postgraduate School
Questions readers ask
What was Newman's role in the assembly of the International Space Station?
During the STS-88 mission in 1998, he performed three spacewalks to connect external power and data umbilicals between the Unity and Zarya modules.
What did Newman do after leaving NASA?
He transitioned to academia, serving as a professor at the Naval Postgraduate School, focusing on research involving small satellites.
Achievements
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at Dartmouth College, Rice University and La Jolla High School
- Worked as astronaut and physicist
