Kevin A. Ford logged over 6,100 flying hours during a career that transitioned from intercepting Soviet combat aircraft over the North Atlantic to commanding missions aboard the International Space Station. His trajectory involved extensive technical evaluation of military hardware and specialized roles within the United States space program before his retirement from the Air Force as a colonel.
Military Aviation and Flight Testing
Commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1982, Ford completed pilot training at Columbus Air Force Base. His early operational service included flying the F-15 Eagle in Germany and Iceland, where he conducted intercepts of Soviet aircraft. After graduating from the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School in 1990, he evaluated the F-16 Fighting Falcon at Eglin Air Force Base. His flight test portfolio included ballistics, fuse testing, and the initial AMRAAM missile firing from the F-16 Air Defense Fighter. He eventually returned to the Test Pilot School as an instructor, teaching flight techniques for the F-15 and F-16.
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NASA selected Ford as an astronaut candidate in July 2000. Following two years of foundational training, he contributed to the Astronaut Office Advanced Vehicles Branch and the Space Shuttle Branch, focusing on cockpit avionics upgrades. Between January 2004 and January 2005, he served as the Director of Operations at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia. His ground-based responsibilities also included acting as a Capsule Communicator in Mission Control.
Spaceflight and Command
Ford participated in the STS-128 mission aboard Space Shuttle Discovery in 2009, which delivered 20,000 pounds of cargo to the International Space Station. In 2012, he launched on Soyuz TMA-06M for Expedition 33. By November of that year, he assumed command of Expedition 34. He remained in orbit until March 16, 2013, when he returned to Earth alongside his Russian crewmates. His contributions were honored with the NASA Distinguished Service Medal in 2013, alongside the Legion of Merit and the Air Force Commendation Medal.
Fast facts
- Born: 1960, Portland, Indiana
- Military Rank: Colonel
- Education: University of Notre Dame, University of Florida, Air Force Institute of Technology
- Space Shuttle Mission: STS-128
- Expedition Command: Expedition 34 (2012-2013)
- Flying Hours: Over 6,100
- FAA Certifications: Airplanes, helicopters, gliders, balloons
Questions readers ask
Did Kevin A. Ford serve in the Russian space program?
He served as the Director of Operations at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, from January 2004 to January 2005.
What aircraft has Kevin A. Ford flown?
He has flown the F-15 Eagle, the F-16 Fighting Falcon, and holds certifications for helicopters, gliders, and hot air balloons.
Achievements
- Educated at University of Florida, U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and University of Notre Dame
- Worked as astronaut
