Mark L. Polansky is a former NASA astronaut and research pilot who became the first person of Korean ancestry to fly in space. During his tenure at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, he transitioned from teaching shuttle landing techniques to serving as a mission commander. He is best known for his work on three shuttle missions, including the delivery of the Destiny Laboratory Module.
Mark L. Polansky logged over 5,000 flight hours in more than 30 different aircraft before retiring from the astronaut corps in 2012. Throughout his tenure at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, he transitioned from a research pilot teaching landing techniques to a space shuttle commander, becoming the first person of Korean ancestry to fly in space.
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Polansky graduated from J. P. Stevens High School in 1974 before attending Purdue University. He earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in aeronautical and astronautical engineering in 1978. Upon graduation, he accepted an Air Force commission, earning his pilot wings in 1980 at Vance Air Force Base. During his military service, he flew the F-15 and served as an Aggressor Pilot, training crews to counter enemy tactics at Clark Air Base and Nellis Air Force Base. In 1987, he graduated as a distinguished student from the USAF Test Pilot School, subsequently testing weapons systems in the F-15, F-15E, and A-10.
Transition to NASA
In August 1992, Polansky began his NASA career as a research pilot and aerospace engineer assigned to the Johnson Space Center. He spent his early years teaching shuttle landing procedures in the Shuttle Trainer Aircraft and providing instruction for T-38 operations. Selected as an astronaut candidate in 1996, he spent two years in evaluation before supporting shuttle launches and landings as part of the ground crew. He later served in administrative roles, including Chief of the CAPCOM Branch, Chief Instructor Astronaut, and leader of the Return to Flight and Orbiter Repair Branches.
Space Shuttle Missions
Polansky flew on three shuttle missions between 2001 and 2009. He served as pilot for STS-98, which delivered the Destiny Laboratory Module to the International Space Station. In 2006, he participated in STS-116, a mission that focused on rewiring the station's power systems and expanding its infrastructure. His final flight, STS-127, saw him serve as mission commander in 2009, during which the crew installed the Japanese Exposed Facility. During this flight, he engaged in public outreach by providing updates on Twitter.
Fast facts
- Born: 1956, Paterson, New Jersey
- Education: Purdue University, B.S. and M.S.
- Space Missions: STS-98, STS-116, STS-127
- Career Milestone: First person of Korean ancestry in space
- Military Aircraft Flown: F-15, F-15E, A-10, F-5E
- Retirement Date: June 30, 2012
- NASA Distinguished Service Medal: 2010
Questions readers ask
Why was Polansky nicknamed Roman?
He received the nickname as a joke because his last name is identical to that of film director Roman Polanski.
Did Polansky contribute to public communication during his missions?
Yes, he began posting updates on Twitter in May 2009 during his training for STS-127 and continued throughout the mission.
Achievements
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, Purdue University and John P. Stevens High School
- Worked as military officer, astronaut and aircraft pilot
