The mission STS-41-G represented a significant moment for oceanic observation when Paul Scully-Power utilized his time aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger to document spiral eddies. This 1984 flight, launching from the Kennedy Space Center, established him as the first Australian-born person to travel into space and the first astronaut to maintain a beard during orbital flight.
Academic and Early Naval Career
Born in 1944 in Sydney, Australia, Scully-Power pursued higher education at the University of Sydney, graduating with a Bachelor of Science with Honours in 1966 and a Diploma of Education in 1967. Upon completing his studies, he joined the Royal Australian Navy, where he served as the inaugural head of its oceanographic group until 1972. His early professional work included the ANZUS EDDY project, a joint initiative between Australia, New Zealand, and the United States focused on measuring ocean eddies.
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In 1977, he moved to the United States and joined the Naval Underwater Systems Center in New London, Connecticut, eventually becoming a U.S. citizen in 1982. His expertise in space oceanography led to his selection by NASA as a payload specialist. During the eight-day STS-41-G mission in October 1984, he logged over 197 hours in space. He successfully demonstrated that spiral eddies were ubiquitous by photographing them with a standard film camera rather than relying solely on high-resolution radar.
Corporate Leadership and Public Service
Following his NASA career, Scully-Power held various high-level positions in the private sector and government. He served as the CTO of Tenix Group and as chairman and CEO of SensorConnect Inc. His extensive advisory work included serving as chancellor of Bond University and chairman of the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority. In 2004, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his contributions to oceanography, space remote sensing, and government regulatory agencies.
Fast facts
- Born: 1944, Sydney, Australia
- Citizenship: United States; Australia
- Education: University of Sydney
- Space Mission: STS-41-G, 1984
- Total Space Time: Over 197 hours
- Awards: Member of the Order of Australia (2004)
- Professional Status: Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society
Questions readers ask
Was Paul Scully-Power the first astronaut to wear a beard?
Yes, he was the first astronaut permitted to have a beard in space after proving it did not compromise the seal of his helmet.
What was his primary research focus during the STS-41-G mission?
His role was to investigate spiral eddies in the ocean, which he successfully photographed and proved were common occurrences.
Achievements
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at University of Sydney
- Worked as astronaut
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