Richard H. Truly navigated a transition from career military aviator to the eighth administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. His tenure defined a pivotal period in American aerospace, marked by the recovery of the Space Shuttle program following the 1986 Challenger disaster and subsequent high-level political conflicts regarding the future direction of the federal space agency.
Military Aviation and Test Piloting
Born in 1937 in Fayette, Mississippi, Truly pursued a career in naval aviation after graduating from Georgia Tech in 1959. Commissioned as a naval officer, he completed over 300 carrier landings while flying F-8 Crusaders. By the early 1960s, he transitioned into test pilot training, attending the U.S. Air Force Aerospace Research Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base before eventually joining the Manned Orbiting Laboratory program and later NASA Astronaut Group 7.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Spaceflight and Command
Truly participated in critical support roles for Skylab and the Apollo–Soyuz missions. His operational experience included piloting the Space Shuttle Enterprise for approach and landing tests in 1977. In 1981, he flew on STS-2, becoming the first individual launched into space on his birthday. He later served as the commander of STS-8 in 1983 before taking command of the newly formed Naval Space Command.
Return to Flight and NASA Leadership
Returning to NASA in 1986 as Associate Administrator for Space Flight, Truly managed the exhaustive recovery process for the Space Shuttle fleet. He oversaw a 31-month technical overhaul that culminated in the successful launch of Discovery during STS-26. In 1989, he became the first former astronaut appointed as NASA Administrator. His leadership concluded in 1992 following disagreements with the administration over agency management and the trajectory of the International Space Station project.
Post-NASA Professional Roles
Following his government service, Truly directed the Georgia Tech Research Institute from 1992 to 1997. He subsequently led the National Renewable Energy Laboratory until 2005. His later years included testifying on climate-related national security threats and serving as vice chairman of the Colorado School of Mines board of trustees. He died in 2024 in Genesee, Colorado.
Fast facts
- Born: 1937, Fayette, Mississippi
- Died: 2024, Genesee, Colorado
- NASA Administrator: 1989–1992
- Education: Georgia Tech, U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School
- Military Rank: Admiral
- Notable Recognition: United States Astronaut Hall of Fame
- Key Agency Roles: Associate Administrator for Space Flight
Questions readers ask
Was Richard H. Truly the first astronaut to lead NASA?
Yes, he was the first former astronaut to serve as the administrator of NASA, holding the position from 1989 to 1992.
What was his role in the post-Challenger recovery?
As Associate Administrator for Space Flight, he oversaw the 31-month technical and operational process required to return the Space Shuttle to flight status.
Achievements
- United States Astronaut Hall of Fame
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and Georgia Tech
- Worked as military officer, astronaut and engineer
