Joseph R. Tanner completed four space shuttle missions, logging over 1,000 hours in space and nearly 50 hours of extravehicular activity. A former United States naval officer and aviator, he entered the NASA Astronaut Corps in 1992 after an initial rejection, eventually becoming a prominent figure in the assembly and maintenance of critical orbital assets.
Early Education and Naval Service
Born on January 21, 1950, in Danville, Illinois, Tanner graduated from Danville High School in 1968. He earned a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 1973. Following his studies, he joined the U.S. Navy, receiving his aviator wings in 1975. He served as an A-7E pilot with Light Attack Squadron 94 aboard the USS Coral Sea and later worked as an advanced jet instructor pilot with Training Squadron 4 in Pensacola, Florida.
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Tanner participated in four shuttle flights. His first mission, STS-66, took place in November 1994, studying the Earth's atmosphere via the ATLAS-3 mission. In February 1997, he served on STS-82, conducting two spacewalks to service the Hubble Space Telescope. During STS-97 in 2000, he performed three spacewalks to assist in International Space Station assembly, specifically installing solar arrays. His final flight, STS-115 in 2006, involved connecting the P3/4 truss to the ISS, during which he completed a 5-hour, 26-minute spacewalk.
Academic and Professional Career
After departing NASA, Tanner transitioned to academia. In September 2008, he joined the Aerospace Engineering Science Department at the University of Colorado Boulder as a senior instructor. In this role, he supports both senior and master's project courses. Alongside his academic responsibilities, he operates as a self-employed aerospace systems consultant, leveraging his experience gained through almost 9,000 hours of flight time in both military and NASA aircraft.
Fast facts
- Born: January 21, 1950, Danville, Illinois
- Education: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Spaceflight missions: STS-66, STS-82, STS-97, STS-115
- Total space time: Over 1,000 hours
- Total spacewalk time: Nearly 50 hours
- Awards: Eagle Scout
- Current Occupation: Senior Instructor, University of Colorado Boulder
Questions readers ask
Did Joseph R. Tanner conduct research on the Hubble Space Telescope?
Yes, he performed two spacewalks during the STS-82 mission in 1997 to service the telescope and improve its scientific capabilities.
What is his academic background?
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Achievements
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration and University of Colorado
- Educated at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Danville High School
- Worked as astronaut, professor and aircraft pilot
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