The radome of an F-14 Tomcat separated during a high-speed flight in 1991, obliterating the canopy and inflicting severe injuries on Joe F. Edwards while he operated at 29,000 feet. Despite suffering a broken arm, a collapsed lung, and the loss of vision in one eye, Edwards successfully landed his aircraft aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Naval Aviation and Test Pilot Training
Born in Richmond, Virginia, in 1958, Edwards pursued an education at the United States Naval Academy, graduating in 1980 with a degree in aerospace engineering. He earned his Naval Aviator designation in 1982. After joining Fighter Squadron 143, he participated in combat reconnaissance missions over Lebanon. His professional trajectory led him to the Navy Fighter Weapons School in 1984 and later the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School in 1986. During his testing tenure, he conducted flight assessments for the F-14A and F-14D, specifically focusing on airframe and engine integration programs.
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Beyond his flight duties, Edwards served as an Operations and Maintenance Officer for Fighter Squadron 142 between 1989 and 1992. He later transitioned to the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington, D.C., where he worked as an operations officer. Throughout his aviation career, he accumulated over 4,000 flight hours across more than 25 different aircraft models and completed over 650 carrier-arrested landings. His contributions to aviation safety and performance earned him numerous accolades, including the Daedalian Superior Airmanship Award and multiple Fighter Pilot of the Year honors.
Space Shuttle Missions
NASA selected Edwards as an astronaut in December 1994, with his official reporting to Johnson Space Center occurring in early 1995. His service included technical safety roles for the International Space Station and the Space Shuttle program. In January 1998, he served as a pilot on STS-89, the eighth mission involving a docking between a Shuttle and the Mir space station. The crew transported over 9,000 pounds of hardware and supplies, completing 138 orbits over nearly nine days before Edwards retired from both NASA and the Navy in 2000.
Fast facts
- Born: 1958, Richmond
- Education: United States Naval Academy, University of Tennessee
- Military Rank: Commander
- Space Flight: STS-89
- Key Awards: Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal
- Retirement Date: April 30, 2000
Questions readers ask
What major award did Edwards receive for his 1991 emergency landing?
He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his performance during the flight where his aircraft canopy was destroyed.
Which space mission did Edwards fly?
He served as a pilot on STS-89, the eighth mission to dock with the Mir space station.
Achievements
- Distinguished Flying Cross
- Air Medal
- Recorded as military officer, astronaut and military flight engineer
