Four separate space shuttle missions defined the professional flight career of Peter Jeffrey Kelsay Wisoff, an American physicist who logged over 42 days in orbit. Between 1993 and 2000, he participated in complex orbital operations, including the maintenance of Russian station Mir and the initial structural expansion of the International Space Station.
Academic Foundation
Wisoff graduated from Norfolk Academy in 1976 before completing a Bachelor of Science in physics with highest distinction at the University of Virginia in 1980. He continued his studies at Stanford University, where he earned a Master of Science and a Ph.D. in applied physics in 1982 and 1986, respectively. As a National Science Foundation Graduate Fellow at Stanford, his research centered on short wavelength laser development.
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Following his doctoral work, Wisoff joined the Electrical and Computer Engineering faculty at Rice University. His research expanded into high-intensity laser sources and vacuum ultraviolet technology. He collaborated with Texas Medical Center researchers on nerve reconstruction techniques and worked with Rice colleagues on semiconductor growth methods. In 2013, he was appointed interim principal associate director for NIF and Photon Sciences at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
NASA Operational Experience
Selected as an astronaut candidate in 1990, Wisoff achieved full mission specialist qualification in 1991. His ground-based roles included serving as a spacecraft communicator in Mission Control and overseeing flight software verification. He also held technical leadership positions, including lead for the Payloads and Habitability Branch. His flight experience spanned four missions: STS-57, STS-68, STS-81, and STS-92, encompassing nearly 20 hours of total extravehicular activity time.
Space Shuttle Missions
During STS-57 in 1993, he performed a manual adjustment of EURECA satellite antennas. In 1994, STS-68 utilized radar technology to map environmental data, including carbon monoxide levels. By 1997, STS-81 facilitated critical resupply operations for the Mir space station. His final flight, STS-92 in 2000, focused on the physical assembly of the International Space Station, where he successfully tested the SAFER jet backpack.
Fast facts
- Born: 1958
- Education: University of Virginia; Stanford University
- Selected as astronaut: January 1990
- Total space flight time: 42 days, 56 hours, 1 minute, 48 seconds
- Total EVA time: 19 hours, 53 minutes
- NASA Distinguished Service Medal: 2001
- Spouse: Tamara Jernigan
Questions readers ask
What was Wisoff's primary research focus at Rice University?
He focused on the development of vacuum ultraviolet and high-intensity laser sources, including applications for semiconductor material growth and nerve reconstruction.
How many spacewalks did Wisoff complete during his NASA career?
He conducted three spacewalks, totaling 19 hours and 53 minutes of extravehicular activity time.
Achievements
- Affiliated with Rice University and National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at University of Virginia and Stanford University
- Worked as astronaut and physicist
