Commanding four space missions during his tenure at NASA, Richard O. Covey transitioned from an Air Force fighter pilot to a pivotal figure in orbital logistics. His flight career bridged the gap between early experimental shuttle development and the critical maintenance of the Hubble Space Telescope, logging over 646 hours in the vacuum of space.
Military Foundation and Test Pilot Duties
Born in Fayetteville in 1946, Covey pursued an engineering science degree at the United States Air Force Academy, graduating in 1968. He later earned a Master of Science in aeronautics and astronautics from Purdue University in 1969. Between 1970 and 1974, he flew combat missions in Southeast Asia, operating the F-100 Super Sabre, A-37 Dragonfly, and A-7 Corsair II. His technical expertise grew as a test pilot at Eglin Air Force Base, where he directed electronic warfare testing for the F-15 Eagle.
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Selected as an astronaut candidate in 1978, Covey spent his early NASA years focused on engineering development and T-38 chase operations. He served as a spacecraft communicator during multiple missions, including the tragic Challenger flight. His first space mission, STS-51-I in 1985, involved the complex manual capture and repair of the SYNCOM IV-3 satellite. He later piloted STS-26 in 1988, the first flight following the Challenger disaster, before commanding STS-38 in 1990 and the Hubble repair mission STS-61 in 1993.
Post-NASA Professional Roles
Retiring from federal service in 1994, Covey moved into the private aerospace sector. He joined United Space Alliance in 2006 as Chief Operating Officer and later served as Chief Executive Officer from 2007 until his retirement in 2010. His administrative career included a decade on the Board of Directors of Re/Max Holdings, LLC, starting in 2005. Beyond professional management, he maintained a public profile, including a 1994 guest appearance on the television program Home Improvement alongside his Hubble crew.
Fast facts
- Born: 1946, Fayetteville
- Military Rank: Colonel
- Education: United States Air Force Academy, Purdue University
- NASA Retirement: August 1, 1994
- Total Space Flights: 4
- Total Space Hours: Over 646
- Primary Aerospace Employer: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Hall of Fame: United States Astronaut Hall of Fame
Questions readers ask
What was Richard O. Covey's role in the Hubble Space Telescope mission?
He served as the commander of the STS-61 mission in 1993, which successfully restored the telescope to full capacity.
Which military aircraft did he fly during his career?
He operated over 30 types of aircraft, including the F-100 Super Sabre, A-37 Dragonfly, A-7 Corsair II, F-4 Phantom II, and F-15 Eagle.
Achievements
- United States Astronaut Hall of Fame
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, United States Air Force Academy and Purdue University
- Worked as military officer, astronaut and aircraft pilot
