Robert L. Behnken launched into orbit on May 30, 2020, as a crew member of the SpaceX Crew Dragon Demo-2 mission. This event marked the first time astronauts utilized a commercial orbital spacecraft for transport to the International Space Station, fundamentally shifting the operational model for human spaceflight under the NASA Commercial Crew Program.
Academic and Military Foundation
Born in 1970 in Creve Coeur, Behnken pursued an extensive technical education. He earned Bachelor of Science degrees in mechanical engineering and physics from Washington University in St. Louis in 1992. He continued his studies at the California Institute of Technology, obtaining a Master of Science in 1993 and a PhD in 1997, both in mechanical engineering. His military career as an officer in the U.S. Air Force involved working as a developmental engineer and flight test engineer, where he attained the rank of colonel and graduated from the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School.
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Selected as an astronaut candidate in 2000, Behnken underwent eighteen months of evaluation before supporting launch operations at Kennedy Space Center. He gained experience as an aquanaut during the 2006 NEEMO 11 mission, living underwater for seven days. He subsequently performed two Space Shuttle missions as a mission specialist: STS-123 in 2008 and STS-130 in 2010. During these assignments, he completed multiple spacewalks to facilitate the installation of modules and equipment on the International Space Station.
Leadership and Commercial Spaceflight
Behnken served as the Chief of the Astronaut Office from 2012 to 2015. After transitioning to the Commercial Crew Program, he was assigned to the SpaceX Dragon 2 spacecraft. The Demo-2 mission involved a 62-day stay on the International Space Station. Throughout his career, Behnken received numerous honors, including the NASA Exceptional Service Medal in 2011 and the Congressional Space Medal of Honor in 2023. He retired from NASA on November 11, 2022.
Fast facts
- Born: 1970, Creve Coeur
- Military Rank: Colonel
- Education: PhD in Mechanical Engineering, California Institute of Technology
- Chief of the Astronaut Office: 2012–2015
- Space Shuttle Missions: STS-123 and STS-130
- Commercial Spaceflight: Crew Dragon Demo-2 (2020)
- Retirement from NASA: November 11, 2022
- Congressional Space Medal of Honor: 2023
Questions readers ask
What was Behnken's role in the commercial space program?
He was assigned to the first crewed test flight of the SpaceX Crew Dragon, designated Demo-2, which launched in 2020.
When did Behnken serve as Chief of the Astronaut Office?
He held the position of Chief of the Astronaut Office from 2012 to 2015.
Achievements
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at California Institute of Technology, U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and Washington University in St. Louis
- Worked as military officer, astronaut and engineer
