Three hundred and fifteen combat missions over Southeast Asia marked the early career of Michael Lloyd Coats, a naval aviator who transitioned from carrier-based operations to a primary role in the American space program. Born in 1946, he logged over 5,000 hours in 28 aircraft types before commanding three orbital shuttle missions during the 1980s and 1990s.
Naval Aviation and Test Pilot Training
After graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 1968, Coats served as an A-7E pilot with Attack Squadron 192, operating from the USS Kitty Hawk. Following his combat experience, he instructed pilots at Naval Air Station Lemoore before attending the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School in 1974. His technical expertise expanded through postgraduate studies at George Washington University and the Naval Postgraduate School, establishing a foundation for his selection as an astronaut candidate in 1978.
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Coats became a NASA astronaut in 1979, serving as a capsule communicator for early shuttle missions. His first flight occurred in 1984 as pilot for STS-41-D, the inaugural launch of Discovery. The mission included the removal of hazardous ice from the orbiter. He later commanded STS-29 in 1989 and the unclassified Department of Defense mission STS-39 in 1991. By the conclusion of his third flight, he had accumulated over 463 hours in space and 310 total orbits.
Leadership and Industry Tenure
Following his departure from the astronaut corps in 1991, Coats joined Loral Space Information Systems as a vice president. He subsequently held leadership roles at Lockheed Martin, overseeing civil space and advanced transportation programs. In 2005, he returned to public service as the 10th director of the Johnson Space Center in Houston, a position he held until his final retirement from NASA at the end of 2012.
Fast facts
- Born: 1946, Sacramento, California
- Education: US Naval Academy, George Washington University, Naval Postgraduate School
- Military Rank: Captain
- Spaceflights: 3 (STS-41-D, STS-29, STS-39)
- Total Space Time: Over 463 hours
- Carrier Landings: 400
- JSC Director Tenure: 2005–2012
- Awards: NASA Distinguished Service Medal, United States Astronaut Hall of Fame
Questions readers ask
What was the mission of STS-39?
STS-39 was an unclassified eight-day Department of Defense mission launched in April 1991 that involved the deployment and retrieval of the SPAS-II spacecraft and atmospheric research.
Did Coats command any missions?
Yes, he commanded STS-29 in 1989 and STS-39 in 1991. He was also selected to command STS-61-H, which was canceled following the Challenger accident.
Achievements
- United States Astronaut Hall of Fame
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at George Washington University, Naval Postgraduate School and United States Naval Test Pilot School
- Worked as military officer, astronaut and aircraft pilot
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