Richard Mastracchio logged over 5,461 hours in space across four separate orbital missions, serving as a mission specialist on three Space Shuttle flights and a flight engineer on the International Space Station. His technical contributions began in the private sector before he transitioned into a long-term role supporting flight crew operations and space infrastructure development within the United States space program.
Early Education and Engineering Beginnings
A native of Waterbury, Connecticut, Mastracchio graduated from Crosby High School in 1978. He pursued higher education in electrical engineering and computer science, earning a Bachelor of Science from the University of Connecticut in 1982. He later obtained a Master of Science in electrical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1987, followed by a Master of Science in physical science from the University of Houston–Clear Lake in 1991. His professional career launched at Hamilton Standard, where he contributed to the development of flight control computers and inertial measurement units between 1982 and 1987.
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Mastracchio moved to Houston in 1987 to join the Rockwell Shuttle Operations Company at the Johnson Space Center. He transitioned to NASA in 1990 as an engineer, focusing on flight software requirements and crew procedures. From 1993 to 1996, he served as an ascent/entry Guidance and Procedures Officer in Mission Control, supporting seventeen shuttle missions as a flight controller. He was selected as an astronaut candidate in April 1996 and completed two years of training to qualify as a mission specialist.
Spaceflight Missions and Spacewalks
His flight experience included STS-106 in 2000, STS-118 in 2007, and STS-131 in 2010. During these missions, he participated in the delivery of station supplies and performed critical extravehicular activities. During this extended stay, he performed three spacewalks, including operations to replace a failed cooling pump and a backup computer relay box. He returned to Earth on May 14, 2014, after 188 days in space.
Post-NASA Professional Roles
After retiring from NASA in June 2017, Mastracchio entered the commercial space sector. He was appointed Senior Director of Operations for Commercial Resupply Services at Orbital ATK in June 2017. He subsequently transitioned to a role as Director of Business Development at Northrop Grumman Space Systems. Throughout his career, his work was recognized with the NASA Distinguished Service Medal in 2014.
Fast facts
- Born: 1960, Waterbury
- Education: University of Connecticut, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, University of Houston–Clear Lake
- NASA Distinguished Service Medal: 2014
- Total spaceflight time: Over 5,461 hours
- Expedition 38/39 mission duration: 188 days
- Previous employer: Hamilton Standard, Rockwell Shuttle Operations Company
- Current status: Director of Business Development at Northrop Grumman Space Systems
Questions readers ask
What was Mastracchio's role on his final mission?
He served as a flight engineer on the Expedition 38/39 long-duration mission aboard the International Space Station.
Did he conduct any spacewalks?
Yes, he performed multiple spacewalks throughout his career, including repairs to the station's cooling system and computer hardware.
Achievements
- Educated at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, University of Connecticut and Crosby High School
- Worked as astronaut, engineer and physicist
