The maiden flight of the Space Shuttle Challenger reached orbit on April 4, 1983, under the command of Paul J. Weitz. This mission represented the second spaceflight of his career, capping a trajectory that evolved from naval aviation to complex orbital repairs and advanced aerospace command roles within the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Early Development and Naval Service
Born in Erie, Pennsylvania, on July 25, 1932, Weitz graduated from Harbor Creek High School in 1949 as valedictorian. He attended Pennsylvania State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering in 1954, where he joined the Alpha Upsilon chapter of Beta Theta Pi. Following his commission as an Ensign through the Naval ROTC, he served a year on a destroyer before commencing flight training. He earned his aviator wings in September 1956 and spent the next decade in various naval aircraft squadrons. He later secured a Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. During his military tenure, he logged over 7,700 flight hours, with 6,400 hours spent in jet aircraft.
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Selected by NASA for Astronaut Group 5 in April 1966, Weitz transitioned to human spaceflight roles. He served as pilot for Skylab 2, which launched on May 25, 1973. This mission set a new record by lasting 28 days. Together with Pete Conrad and Joseph Kerwin, Weitz performed critical extravehicular activities to repair damage sustained by the station during its uncrewed launch. His efforts to fix the facility were essential to the mission's success. He returned to Earth on June 22, 1973, having logged over two hours of spacewalk time.
Challenger Command and NASA Leadership
After a brief return to the Navy in 1976, Weitz re-engaged with NASA. He served as the spacecraft commander for STS-6, the initial voyage of the Challenger orbiter. Launched from Kennedy Space Center on April 4, 1983, the flight included materials processing experiments, lightning recording, and the deployment of IUS/TDRS-A. Weitz oversaw the testing of support systems for future missions before landing at Edwards Air Force Base on April 9, 1983. By the conclusion of this flight, his total logged time in space reached 793 hours. He eventually served as the Deputy Director of the Johnson Space Center until his retirement from NASA in May 1994.
Fast facts
- Born: 25 July 1932, Erie, Pennsylvania
- Died: 22 October 2017, Flagstaff, Arizona
- Military Rank: Captain
- Education: Pennsylvania State University; Naval Postgraduate School
- Space Missions: Skylab 2; STS-6
- Total Space Time: 793 hours
- Awards: NASA Distinguished Service Medal (1973, 1988); Harmon Trophy; Air Medal
- Hall of Fame: United States Astronaut Hall of Fame (1997)
Questions readers ask
What was the significance of the Skylab 2 mission?
It was the first crewed Skylab mission and set a 28-day duration record while performing essential repairs to damaged station equipment.
What was the primary objective of the STS-6 mission?
It served as the maiden voyage of the Space Shuttle Challenger, focusing on material processing, satellite deployment, and testing equipment for future extravehicular activities.
Achievements
- United States Astronaut Hall of Fame
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at Pennsylvania State University and Naval Postgraduate School
- Worked as military officer, astronaut and military flight engineer
