Robert Crippen served as the pilot for STS-1 in April 1981, marking the inaugural orbital test flight of the Space Shuttle. His career spanned from the Manned Orbiting Laboratory program to directing the Kennedy Space Center, encompassing extensive work as a test pilot, naval officer, and engineer during pivotal decades of American space flight.
Early Education and Military Service
Born in Beaumont, Texas, in 1937, Crippen graduated from New Caney High School in 1955. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin in 1960. He entered the U.S. Navy through the Aviation Officer Candidate School at Naval Air Station Pensacola. Between 1962 and 1964, he served as a naval aviator flying the A-4 Skyhawk aboard the USS Independence. He later attended the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base, eventually serving as an instructor there before entering the Manned Orbiting Laboratory program in 1966.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Space Program Development and Testing
The Manned Orbiting Laboratory program, a joint venture between the U.S. Air Force and the National Reconnaissance Office, concluded in 1969. Crippen subsequently joined NASA Astronaut Group 7. He participated in the 56-day Skylab Medical Experiment Altitude Test in 1972, which evaluated crew endurance and life-support systems. During the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project, he served as a capsule communicator, refining operational procedures. Prior to his spaceflight debut, he supported the Approach and Landing Tests for the Space Shuttle Enterprise, acting as a chase pilot in T-38 aircraft.
Space Shuttle Missions
Crippen logged four space missions. Beyond his pilot role on the first Space Shuttle flight, STS-1, he served as commander for three subsequent missions: STS-7 in June 1983, STS-41-C in April 1984, and STS-41-G in October 1984. Following the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, he participated in recovery operations and served on the investigation commission tasked with determining the accident's cause.
Management and Post-NASA Career
Upon retiring from active astronaut duty, Crippen transitioned into high-level administration. He served as Director of the Space Shuttle at NASA Headquarters and later as Director of the Kennedy Space Center. His professional trajectory eventually moved into the private sector, where he held positions at Lockheed Martin and Thiokol before his retirement to Florida.
Fast facts
- Born: 1937, Beaumont, Texas
- Education: University of Texas at Austin; U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School
- Space Missions: STS-1, STS-7, STS-41-C, STS-41-G
- Military Rank: Captain
- Congressional Space Medal of Honor: 2006
- NASA Distinguished Service Medal: 1981, 1985, 1988, 1993
- Professional affiliations: National Academy of Engineering, Society of Experimental Test Pilots
- Total flight time: Over 6,500 hours
Questions readers ask
Did Robert Crippen fly on the Space Shuttle?
Yes, he was the pilot for the first Space Shuttle orbital mission, STS-1, in 1981 and commanded three later missions.
What roles did he hold after retiring from NASA?
He worked in management at Lockheed Martin and Thiokol Propulsion before retiring in Florida.
Achievements
- National Aviation Hall of Fame — 2016
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Lockheed Martin and Thiokol
- Educated at U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, University of Texas at Austin and New Caney High School
- Worked as military officer, astronaut and aircraft pilot
