Four separate Space Shuttle missions between 1989 and 1994 form the flight record of Richard N. Richards, an American test pilot and chemical engineer who spent over 800 hours in orbit. Beyond his career as an astronaut, he contributed to critical naval aviation development and later managed key logistics for the Space Shuttle program at the Johnson Space Center.
Naval Aviation and Test Pilot Training
Commissioned as a United States Navy Ensign in 1969, Richards qualified as a Naval Aviator in 1970. His early service involved support missions in A-4 Skyhawk and F-4 Phantom aircraft stationed at Norfolk Naval Air Station. Deployments followed aboard the carriers USS America and USS Saratoga. In 1976, he entered the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School at Patuxent River. His subsequent work at the Naval Air Test Center included development of automatic carrier landing systems and serving as the project officer for F/A-18A Hornet carrier suitability, where he performed initial shipboard catapult launches and arrested landings in 1979.
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Selected as an astronaut candidate in 1980, Richards completed his training in 1981. His first mission, STS-28, launched in August 1989, focusing on Department of Defense payloads. As commander of STS-41 in October 1990, he led the deployment of the Ulysses spacecraft. During the 1992 STS-50 mission, he oversaw the United States Microgravity Laboratory, setting a then-record for the longest duration of a Space Shuttle flight. His final mission, STS-64 in 1994, featured the first untethered spacewalk in a decade and pioneering space-based laser environmental research.
Transition to Industry
After leaving the astronaut office in 1995, Richards transitioned to the Space Shuttle Program Office at Johnson Space Center. He served as the Mission Director for STS-82 and the Mission Manager for STS-75. In 1998, he retired from the Navy and joined the Boeing Company. Throughout the next nine years, he supported NASA operations through the Space Shuttle Sustaining Engineering Support Contract. He retired from Boeing in 2007 as the Deputy Program Manager for the Space Shuttle.
Fast facts
- Born: 1946, Key West
- Education: University of Missouri, University of West Florida
- Space Missions: STS-28, STS-41, STS-50, STS-64
- Military Rank: Captain
- Total Time in Space: 33 days, 21 hours, 32 minutes, 15 seconds
- NASA Distinguished Service Medals: 1993, 1995
Questions readers ask
What was Richard N. Richards' role on STS-50?
He served as the commander of the mission, which included the first flight of the United States Microgravity Laboratory.
Which spacecraft did Richards command during his career?
He commanded the Space Shuttle Discovery on missions STS-41 and STS-64, and the Space Shuttle Columbia on mission STS-50.
Achievements
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at University of Missouri, University of West Florida and United States Naval Test Pilot School
- Worked as military officer, astronaut and aircraft pilot
