Space Shuttle commander Jeffrey Ashby logged more than 660 hours in orbit across three missions between 1999 and 2002. An experienced naval aviator and test pilot, Ashby transitioned from military combat operations to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, eventually overseeing safety protocols in the commercial space sector as a mission assurance executive.
Early Education and Naval Training
Born in Dallas in 1954, Jeffrey Shears Ashby spent his youth in Evergreen, Colorado. After graduating from Evergreen High School in 1972, he attended the University of Idaho, where he participated in the Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps. He earned a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering in 1976. Later, in 1993, he completed a Master of Science in aviation systems at the University of Tennessee. His military trajectory included attendance at the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School and the Navy Fighter Weapons School, commonly known as TOPGUN.
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Ashby served as a captain in the United States Navy, accumulating over 7,000 flight hours and 1,000 carrier landings during his career. He participated in operations including the Gulf War, Operation Southern Watch, and Operation Continue Hope. In 1991, he received recognition as the Navy Attack Aviator of the Year. During his time at sea, he commanded a fighter squadron aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, which was designated the top F/A-18 squadron in the Navy in 1994.
NASA and Space Flight
Selected as an astronaut candidate in 1994, Ashby served as a pilot on two Space Shuttle flights: STS-93 in July 1999 and STS-100 in April 2001. He later commanded STS-112 in October 2002. His missions involved the deployment of the Chandra X-ray Observatory and assembly work for the International Space Station. Over the course of these missions, he completed 436 orbits of the Earth, traveling more than 11 million miles.
Post-Military and Space Industry Work
Following his NASA career, Ashby joined Blue Origin as the chief of mission assurance to focus on human space flight safety. His personal life includes residence in Twin Lakes, Colorado. In July 2019, he survived a fall from approximately 500 feet near the summit of La Plata Peak, requiring hospitalization and extensive recovery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1954, Dallas, Texas
- Military Rank: Captain, United States Navy
- Education: University of Idaho, University of Tennessee
- Space Shuttle Missions: STS-93, STS-100, STS-112
- Total Space Flight Time: Over 660 hours
- Career Honors: Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit, Air Medal
- Current Role: Chief of Mission Assurance at Blue Origin
Questions readers ask
What is Jeffrey Ashby's current professional focus?
He works as the chief of mission assurance for Blue Origin, a company focused on private spaceflight safety.
How many total space missions did he fly?
Ashby completed three missions as a pilot or commander of the Space Shuttle.
Achievements
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at University of Idaho, University of Tennessee and United States Naval Test Pilot School
- Worked as military officer and astronaut