Five thousand flying hours across more than 30 distinct aircraft define the career of Paul Scott Lockhart. A retired United States Air Force colonel and former NASA astronaut, his professional trajectory spans high-performance military flight testing and two separate Space Shuttle missions to the International Space Station, serving as a critical figure in American aerospace engineering and orbital operations.
Early Education and Commissioning
Born in Amarillo, Texas, on April 28, 1956, Lockhart graduated from Tascosa High School in 1974. His academic foundation includes a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics from Texas Tech University, earned in 1978, followed by a Master of Science in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. Between 1978 and 1979, he held a Rotarian Fellowship, which allowed him to attend the University of Innsbruck and the University of Vienna Summer School. He received his commission into the United States Air Force in 1981.
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Lockhart began his operational flying career in 1983 with the 49th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, initially piloting T-33s before transitioning to the F-4. From 1987 to 1990, he served in Germany as an instructor pilot, specializing in surface-to-air missile suppression tactics. In 1991, he completed training at Edwards Air Force Base, California, to become a test pilot. Assigned to the Air Force Developmental Test Center at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, he spent over four years conducting weapons testing for the F-16 and served as operations officer for the 39th Flight Test Squadron.
Space Shuttle Missions
Selected as an astronaut candidate by NASA in 1996, Lockhart completed two space flights in 2002. Both STS-111 and STS-113 involved travel to the International Space Station. He joined the crew of STS-113 as a pilot following the injury and subsequent resignation of Christopher Loria. These missions integrated his extensive background as a test pilot into the specialized requirements of shuttle operations.
Post-Astronaut Career
After completing his NASA assignments, Lockhart attended the Royal College of Defence Studies in London, graduating in 2004. He later served at the headquarters of the Air Force as a directorate chief, focusing on force structures and assessments. He officially retired from the U.S. Air Force in January 2007, subsequently returning to NASA to take on an administrative role.
Fast facts
- Born: 28 April 1956, Amarillo, Texas
- Military Rank: Colonel, USAF (Retired)
- Education: Texas Tech University, University of Texas at Austin
- Space Missions: STS-111, STS-113
- Primary Occupations: Astronaut, aerospace engineer, aircraft pilot
- Membership: Society of Experimental Test Pilots
- Retirement Date: January 2007
Questions readers ask
What military aircraft did Paul Lockhart pilot?
He logged time in more than 30 different aircraft, including the T-33, the F-4, and the F-16.
Which missions did he fly as a NASA astronaut?
He participated in two missions to the International Space Station, STS-111 and STS-113, both occurring in 2002.
Achievements
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, Texas Tech University and Tascosa High School
- Worked as astronaut, engineer and aircraft pilot
