Robert L. Gibson commanded the STS-71 mission in 1995, marking the first time a United States Space Shuttle docked with the Russian Space Station Mir. A career officer and aviator, Gibson logged over 6,000 flight hours across more than 140 types of civil and military aircraft, transitioning from naval fighter jets to orbital command.
Early Education and Naval Service
Born in Cooperstown in 1946, Gibson earned an associate degree from Suffolk County Community College in 1966 and a Bachelor of Science in aeronautical engineering from California Polytechnic State University in 1969. Upon entering active duty with the U.S. Navy that same year, he progressed through the Aviation Officer Candidate School. His pilot training spanned multiple air stations in Florida, Mississippi, and Texas, eventually leading to his assignment with Fighter Squadron 121 for F-4 Phantom II training.
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Between 1972 and 1975, Gibson served with Fighter Squadron 111 and Fighter Squadron 1, operating from the USS Coral Sea and USS Enterprise. He flew combat missions in Southeast Asia and completed the first operational carrier deployment of the F-14 Tomcat. Following his graduation from the Navy Fighter Weapons School, he became an F-14A instructor. In 1977, he completed the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School at Patuxent River, later evaluating improvements for the F-14A as a captain.
Space Shuttle Missions
Selected by NASA in 1978, Gibson transitioned to space flight. He served as the pilot for STS-41-B in 1984, which featured the first Manned Maneuvering Unit checkout. He subsequently commanded STS-61-C in 1986 and STS-27 in 1988. After participating in the Challenger accident investigation, he commanded STS-47 in 1992 and his final mission, STS-71, in 1995. He held the position of Chief of the Astronaut Office from 1992 to 1994.
Fast facts
- Born: 1946, Cooperstown
- Military Rank: Captain
- Education: Suffolk County Community College, California Polytechnic State University
- NASA Career: 1978–1996
- Space Missions: 5
- Chief of the Astronaut Office: 1992–1994
- U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame: Inducted
- National Aviation Hall of Fame: 2013
Questions readers ask
How many space missions did Robert L. Gibson command?
He commanded four of his five space missions: STS-61-C, STS-27, STS-47, and STS-71.
What military awards has Robert L. Gibson received?
His decorations include the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Air Medal.
Achievements
- National Aviation Hall of Fame — 2013
- United States Astronaut Hall of Fame
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at Suffolk County Community College and California Polytechnic State University
- Worked as military officer, astronaut and aircraft pilot
