Michael P. Anderson logged more than 593 hours in space during his tenure as a NASA astronaut and mission specialist. A career military officer and physicist, he served as the payload commander during the STS-107 mission, overseeing complex scientific experimentation before his death in the disintegration of the Space Shuttle Columbia during its final return to Earth in 2003.
Military Service and Flight Training
After graduating from the University of Washington with a degree in physics and astronomy in 1981, Anderson was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. His technical proficiency led to assignments in communication maintenance and information system management. In 1986, he transitioned to pilot training at Vance Air Force Base. He subsequently flew the EC-135 airborne command post while stationed at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. During his tenure as an instructor pilot, he accumulated over 3,000 hours of flight time before his selection for the NASA astronaut program.
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Anderson reported to the Johnson Space Center in March 1995. His first orbital mission, STS-89, involved a docking with the Mir Space Station in January 1998, during which the crew delivered over 9,000 pounds of scientific hardware. Following this, he was appointed payload commander for STS-107 aboard the Columbia. Tasked with managing over 80 scientific experiments, Anderson remained in orbit for 16 days. The mission ended prematurely on February 1, 2003, when the shuttle disintegrated over Texas upon re-entry due to damage sustained during the initial launch.
Education and Background
Born in Plattsburgh, New York, in 1959, Anderson spent his youth near Fairchild Air Force Base in Washington state, graduating from Cheney High School. His academic progression continued alongside his military duties, culminating in a Master of Science degree in physics earned from Creighton University in 1990 while he was stationed at Offutt. These credentials and his performance as a pilot were central to his selection from a pool of nearly 3,000 applicants for the NASA training class in 1994.
Fast facts
- Born: 1959, Plattsburgh, New York
- Died: 2003, Texas
- Education: University of Washington, Creighton University
- Military Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
- Total Space Flight Time: Over 593 hours
- Primary Occupations: Astronaut, Physicist, Military Pilot
- Final Mission: STS-107 Space Shuttle Columbia
- Burial Site: Arlington National Cemetery
Questions readers ask
What was Michael P. Anderson's specific role on his final mission?
He served as the payload commander and was responsible for managing the science experiments conducted during the mission.
Which awards did Anderson receive for his service?
He was posthumously awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor in 2004 and received the NASA Distinguished Service Medal in 2003.
Achievements
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at University of Washington, Creighton University and Cheney High School (Washington)
- Worked as military officer, astronaut and physicist
