Robert D. Cabana, an American astronaut and military officer born in Minneapolis in 1949, logged over 8,000 hours in more than 50 different aircraft. His career spans from his early service as a Marine Corps pilot and test pilot to his long-term leadership positions within NASA, including roles as a spaceflight commander and agency administrator.
Military Foundations
After graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 1971, Cabana completed training at The Basic School and Naval Air Station Pensacola. He served as a bombardier/navigator on A-6 Intruders. In 1976, he transitioned to the role of naval aviator. He subsequently attended the United States Naval Test Pilot School in 1981, eventually serving as a project officer and test pilot for A-6 and A-4 aircraft series. He reached the rank of colonel before retiring from the Marine Corps in August 2000.
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Selected as an astronaut candidate in June 1985, Cabana qualified for flight duties by 1986. His spaceflight career included four missions: STS-41, STS-53, STS-65, and STS-88. During STS-41 in 1990, his crew deployed the Ulysses spacecraft. Later, during the 1998 STS-88 Endeavour mission, he participated in the first assembly operations for the International Space Station, which involved the initial activation and ingress of the facility.
Administrative Leadership
Cabana held several high-level management roles within NASA. He served as Chief of the Astronaut Office from 1994 to 1997. Following his flight duties, he directed Human Space Flight Programs in Russia from 2001 to 2002. He later acted as director of the John C. Stennis Space Center and the John F. Kennedy Space Center. In May 2021, he was appointed Associate Administrator of NASA, a role he maintained until his retirement from the agency on December 31, 2023.
Fast facts
- Born: 1949, Minneapolis
- Military Rank: Colonel
- Education: United States Naval Academy, United States Naval Test Pilot School
- Chief of the Astronaut Office: 1994-1997
- NASA Distinguished Service Medal: 1999 and 2007
- Inducted: United States Astronaut Hall of Fame
- Total flight hours: Over 8,000
- Final NASA position: Associate Administrator
Questions readers ask
What specific aircraft did Robert D. Cabana pilot?
He flew over 50 types of aircraft, including A-6 Intruders and A-4 Skyhawks.
Did Cabana serve in leadership roles abroad?
Yes, he served as director of Human Space Flight Programs in Russia from 2001 to 2002.
Achievements
- United States Astronaut Hall of Fame
- Educated at United States Naval Academy, United States Naval Test Pilot School and Washburn High School
- Worked as military officer and astronaut
