Over 4,250 flight hours logged across more than 30 distinct aircraft define the aviation career of Lee Archambault. A former NASA astronaut and current aerospace engineer, his professional trajectory spans two Space Shuttle missions, extensive military service in combat zones, and the private development of next-generation orbital spaceplane technology for the Sierra Nevada Corporation.
Academic and Military Foundation
Born in 1960 in Oak Park, Illinois, Archambault pursued engineering degrees at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, graduating in 1982 and 1984. He received his commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force in 1985. Following pilot training at Sheppard Air Force Base, he served as an F-111D pilot before transitioning to the F-117A Nighthawk. During the Gulf War, he flew twenty-two combat missions in support of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
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Archambault graduated from the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base in 1995. He subsequently performed developmental flight tests on various F-16 models at Eglin Air Force Base. Selected by NASA in 1998, he contributed to flight instrument upgrades before serving as an astronaut support lead for STS-111 and STS-114. His operational duties included serving as a CAPCOM for mission STS-121.
Space Shuttle Missions
As a NASA pilot, Archambault participated in two significant shuttle missions. In 2007, he served as the pilot for STS-117, a 14-day flight that delivered the S3/S4 truss segment to the International Space Station. In 2009, he commanded STS-119, a 13-day mission tasked with delivering the final set of solar arrays to the station. Both missions involved complex orbital maneuvers and successfully returned the crews to Earth.
Transition to Private Aerospace
Archambault concluded his 15-year NASA career in 2013 to join the Sierra Nevada Corporation. His role involved technical development for the Dream Chaser, a lifting-body spaceplane designed for cargo and crew transport. The project mirrors his earlier work with the Space Shuttle, specifically in its vertical launch and horizontal landing capabilities. In 2019, he further expanded his technical repertoire by obtaining a type rating for the Bombardier Dash 8 turboprop.
Fast facts
- Born: 1960, Oak Park
- Military Rank: Colonel
- Education: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Space Shuttle Missions: STS-117, STS-119
- Major Awards: Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Commendation Medal
- Former Employer: NASA
- Current Focus: Dream Chaser orbital spaceplane
Questions readers ask
What aircraft has Lee Archambault piloted?
He has flown over 30 types, including the F-111D, F-117A, various F-16 models, the Space Shuttle, and the Bombardier Dash 8.
What was his role at Sierra Nevada Corporation?
He joined the company in 2013 as a test pilot to work on the development of the Dream Chaser lifting-body spaceplane.
Achievements
- Educated at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and Proviso West High School
- Worked as military officer, astronaut and engineer
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