The STS-116 Discovery mission in 2006 marked a significant milestone for Nicholas Patrick, as he became the fourth person born in the United Kingdom to travel into space. This construction and logistics mission to the International Space Station underscored a technical career that transitioned from undergraduate engineering at Cambridge to a decade of service within the United States space program.
Academic Foundation and Engineering
Born in 1964 in Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Patrick attended Harrow School before earning an undergraduate degree in Engineering at Trinity College, Cambridge, in 1986. During his university years, he joined the Cambridge University Air Squadron to learn flight operations. Following his graduation, he spent four years working as an engineer for the Aircraft Engines Division of General Electric in Lynn, Massachusetts. He subsequently expanded his expertise at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he obtained a master's degree in 1990 and a PhD in Mechanical Engineering in 1996, later joining the Boeing Commercial Airplane Group in Seattle.
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In June 1998, NASA selected Patrick as an astronaut candidate, leading to his relocation to the Johnson Space Center for training. Beyond flight preparation, he participated in the NEEMO 6 mission in July 2004, acting as an aquanaut in the Aquarius underwater laboratory for ten days. In August 2007, he served as the commander for the NEEMO 13 mission, completing another ten-day tenure living and working beneath the surface.
Shuttle Missions and Retirement
Patrick logged over 308 hours in space during his two shuttle missions. On STS-116, he assisted in critical station power system rewirings and the retraction of a solar array. During his final mission, STS-130 aboard Endeavour in February 2010, he played a central role in installing the Tranquility node. This module now serves as the station's life-support hub. He also served as a CAPCOM, supporting missions such as STS-120 before retiring from the NASA Astronaut Corps in May 2012.
Current Professional Roles
Upon leaving NASA in 2012, Patrick joined Blue Origin. He currently functions as the New Shepard Flight Director and holds the position of Senior Director of Human Integration within the company.
Fast facts
- Born: 1964, Saltburn-by-the-Sea
- Citizenship: United States
- Undergraduate Degree: Trinity College, 1986
- Doctorate: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1996
- NASA Selection: June 1998
- Spaceflight Time: Over 308 hours
- Current Employer: Blue Origin
Questions readers ask
What major ISS components did Nicholas Patrick help install?
He is credited with putting the finishing touches on the Tranquility node during the STS-130 mission.
Did Patrick conduct any scientific research underwater?
Yes, he served as an aquanaut for ten days during the NEEMO 6 mission and commanded the NEEMO 13 mission in 2007.
Achievements
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at Harrow School, Trinity College and Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Worked as astronaut and engineer
