Three Space Shuttle missions define the career of John Oliver Creighton, who logged over 403 hours in space during a career spanning from the Vietnam War to the post-Challenger era of NASA. A naval aviator by training, he contributed to the development of the F-14 Tomcat before transitioning into the space program in 1978.
Naval Aviation and Test Pilot Training
Born in 1943 in Orange, Texas, Creighton graduated from Ballard High School in 1961 and the United States Naval Academy in 1966. Following his commission, he completed two combat deployments to Vietnam aboard the USS Ranger while flying F-4J Phantoms. His expertise in aviation led him to the United States Naval Test Pilot School in 1970. He later served as a project test pilot at NAS Patuxent River, specifically focusing on the F-14 Tomcat engine development. By the time he left active duty with the Navy in 1992, he had recorded more than 6,000 flight hours and 500 carrier landings.
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Creighton became a NASA astronaut in 1979. His orbital career began as the pilot for STS-51-G in June 1985, a mission that deployed international communications satellites and conducted X-ray astronomy experiments. Following the Challenger disaster, he represented the astronaut office in technical decisions regarding flight safety. He returned to flight as the commander of STS-36 in February 1990 and later commanded STS-48 in September 1991. The latter mission was notable for deploying the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite to study atmospheric chemistry.
Professional Transition and Awards
After retiring from both NASA and the Navy in 1992, Creighton joined the Boeing Airplane Company, where he worked in Aircraft Marketing & Delivery until 2007. His military and space service earned him numerous honors, including the NASA Distinguished Service Medal in 1992, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the French Officer of the Legion of Honour in 1985. He also unsuccessfully sought a seat in the Washington State Senate in 1997.
Fast facts
- Born: 1943, Orange, Texas
- Military Rank: Captain
- Education: United States Naval Academy, George Washington University
- Space Missions: STS-51-G, STS-36, STS-48
- Total Space Flight Time: Over 403 hours
- Career Post-NASA: Boeing Aircraft Marketing & Delivery
- Notable Award: NASA Distinguished Service Medal (1992)
Questions readers ask
Did John Oliver Creighton fly missions for the Department of Defense?
Yes, he served as the spacecraft commander for STS-36, which carried Department of Defense payloads.
What was his role following the Challenger disaster?
He served as an astronaut representative to the Shuttle Program Manager, participating in key decisions to resume safe crewed space flight.
Achievements
- Officer of the Legion of Honour — 1985
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at George Washington University, United States Naval Test Pilot School and United States Naval Academy
- Worked as military officer, astronaut and aircraft pilot
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