Commanding the SpaceX Crew-8 mission to the International Space Station from March to October 2024, Matthew Dominick accumulated over 1,600 hours of flight time across 28 different aircraft. His career spans extensive service as a United States Navy pilot, test engineer, and NASA astronaut, underpinned by decades of technical training in aviation and systems engineering.
Early Education and Naval Commission
Born in 1981 in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, Dominick attended D'Evelyn Junior/Senior High School in Littleton. He enrolled at the University of San Diego, where he participated in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps and joined the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. In 2005, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering, with additional coursework in physics and mathematics. Upon graduation, he received his commission as an Ensign in the United States Navy.
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After completing Primary Flight Training at NAS Pensacola in 2007, Dominick became a designated Naval Aviator. He trained on the F/A-18 Super Hornet with VFA-106 and served with VFA-143 during two deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. His career shifted toward testing after he entered the co-operative program between the Naval Postgraduate School and the United States Naval Test Pilot School. He earned a Master of Science in Systems Engineering and subsequently worked at NAS Patuxent River with VX-23. His projects included developmental testing on the F-35C Lightning II, V-22 Osprey, X-47B, and E-2C Hawkeye, alongside work on MAGIC CARPET and infrared search systems.
NASA Service and Career Progression
Selected for NASA Astronaut Group 22 in June 2017 while serving at sea on the USS Ronald Reagan, Dominick underwent two years of initial training. By September 1, 2020, he reached the rank of commander in the United States Navy. His operational focus culminated in his role as commander for the SpaceX Crew-8 mission. During his 2024 tenure on the International Space Station, he utilized his photography hobby to document atmospheric events and station life.
Fast facts
- Born: 7 December 1981, Wheat Ridge, Colorado
- Rank: Commander, United States Navy
- Education: University of San Diego (2005), Naval Postgraduate School (2013)
- NASA Selection: June 2017
- Space Mission: SpaceX Crew-8
- Total Combat Missions: 61
- Carrier-Arrested Landings: 400
Questions readers ask
What engineering background does Matthew Dominick have?
He holds a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from the University of San Diego and a Master of Science in Systems Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School.
Which aircraft has he test-piloted?
His testing experience includes work on the F-35C Lightning II, V-22 Osprey, X-47B, and E-2C Hawkeye.
Achievements
- Educated at University of San Diego, Reserve Officers' Training Corps and Naval Postgraduate School
- Worked as engineer, astronaut and test pilot
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