Loren James Shriver accumulated over 386 hours in space across three separate missions during his career as a NASA astronaut and United States Air Force colonel. Born in Jefferson, Iowa, in 1944, he transitioned from military flight instruction and test piloting into the technical management of the United States space program, eventually overseeing payload processing at the Kennedy Space Center.
Academic and Military Foundation
After graduating from Paton High School in 1962, Shriver entered the United States Air Force Academy, receiving a Bachelor of Science in aeronautical engineering in 1967. He followed this with a Master of Science in astronautical engineering from Purdue University in 1968. Commissioned in 1967, his early service included duties as a T-38 academic instructor pilot at Vance Air Force Base and a tour in Thailand. By 1975, he attended the United States Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base, leading to a role as a test pilot for the F-15 Joint Test Force.
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NASA selected Shriver as an astronaut in January 1978. His orbital career included serving as pilot for the STS-51-C mission, which launched from Kennedy Space Center on January 24, 1985. In 1990, he commanded the STS-31 mission, a five-day flight that successfully deployed the Hubble Space Telescope. He also served as commander for the STS-46 mission in 1992. His earlier assignment to pilot STS-10, the first Department of Defense mission for the Space Shuttle, was cancelled.
Engineering Leadership and Retirement
Following his flying career, Shriver held senior roles in NASA management. He served as the Space Shuttle program manager for launch integration before becoming the Deputy Director for Launch and Payload Processing at the Kennedy Space Center in 1997. He later joined the United Space Alliance as vice-president of engineering and integration and chief technology officer, remaining with the organization until his retirement from NASA in 2011.
Fast facts
- Born: 1944, Jefferson, Iowa
- Education: United States Air Force Academy, Purdue University
- Military Rank: Colonel
- Space Flight Time: Over 386 hours
- Space Shuttle Missions: STS-51-C, STS-31, STS-46
- Induction: United States Astronaut Hall of Fame, 2008
- Notable Awards: NASA Distinguished Service Medal (1993, 2000)
Questions readers ask
What was Shriver's role in the deployment of the Hubble Space Telescope?
He served as the mission commander for STS-31 in April 1990, which successfully deployed the telescope.
What were Shriver's primary occupations before retiring from NASA?
He worked as an astronaut, military officer, aircraft pilot, and engineer, finishing his career as a chief technology officer.
Achievements
- United States Astronaut Hall of Fame
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, United States Air Force Academy and Purdue University
- Worked as military officer, astronaut and engineer
