Patrick Graham Forrester, born in El Paso in 1957, served as a United States Army colonel and NASA astronaut. Over a career spanning military aviation and orbital flight, he logged over 5,500 flight hours in more than 50 different aircraft and spent 950 hours in space, eventually becoming the first Army officer to lead the Astronaut Office.
Early Career and Military Training
Forrester graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1979 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. He earned his wings as an Army Aviator in 1980, followed by assignments as an instructor pilot and aide-de-camp. During the 1980s, he served with the 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii before completing a Master of Science degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering at the University of Virginia in 1989. After graduating from the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School in 1992, he performed research and development work at Edwards Air Force Base.
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In 1993, Forrester joined the Johnson Space Center as an aerospace engineer. He focused on shuttle avionics and robotics development for the International Space Station before being selected as an astronaut candidate in May 1996. His support roles included prelaunch checkout and crew training procedures. He maintained an active career as a mission specialist, qualified for multiple orbital assignments.
Spaceflight Missions
Forrester participated in three Space Shuttle missions: STS-105 in 2001, STS-117 in 2007, and STS-128 in 2009. During these flights, he performed four spacewalks totaling over 25 hours. His technical responsibilities included serving as the prime robotics operator for the installation of the Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module. His missions facilitated significant cargo delivery, crew rotation, and solar array installation for the International Space Station.
Leadership and Honors
After retiring from the Army in 2005, Forrester continued his tenure at NASA. He served as the Chief of the Astronaut Office from June 2017 until December 2020. Throughout his career, he received multiple awards, including the NASA Exceptional Service Medal, the NASA Space Flight Medal, and induction into the U.S. Army Aviation Hall of Fame in 2011. He holds the rank of retired colonel.
Fast facts
- Born: 1957, El Paso
- Education: University of Virginia, United States Military Academy
- Military Rank: Colonel
- NASA Selection: 1996
- Space Missions: STS-105, STS-117, STS-128
- Space Experience: 950+ hours
- Chief of Astronaut Office: 2017-2020
- Awards: Eagle Scout
Questions readers ask
Was Patrick Forrester a career military officer?
Yes, he was a United States Army colonel and served as an Army aviator and experimental test pilot before retiring in 2005.
Did Forrester serve as Chief of the Astronaut Office?
Yes, he held the position from June 2017 to December 2020, becoming the first Army officer to do so.
Achievements
- Educated at University of Virginia, United States Military Academy and United States Naval Test Pilot School
- Worked as astronaut and engineer
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