Two Space Shuttle missions conducted in 1997 define the orbital career of Roger K. Crouch. As a payload specialist, he logged more than 471 hours in space, contributing to scientific research on material properties and combustion. His transition from earthbound researcher to space traveler highlights a long tenure within NASA operations focused on microgravity science and space vehicle technology.
Early Education and Physics
Born in 1940 in Jamestown, Tennessee, Roger K. Crouch attended the Alvin C. York Institute for his secondary schooling. He pursued his higher education in physics, obtaining a Bachelor of Science from the Tennessee Polytechnic Institute in 1962. He later earned a Master of Science and a Doctor of Philosophy in physics from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1968 and 1971, respectively.
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Crouch began his professional tenure at the NASA Langley Research Center in 1962, where he worked as a researcher and group leader until 1985. His research focused on the effects of convection on semiconductor material properties, along with studies into crystal growth, remote sensing, and heat shield protection for atmospheric reentry. This work produced more than 40 technical papers and 50 conference reports. Between 1985 and 1996, he served as the Lead Scientist of the Microgravity Space and Applications Division, subsequently taking on roles as Senior Scientist for the Office of Life and Microgravity Sciences and later for the International Space Station.
Spaceflight Missions
In January 1992, Crouch trained as the Alternate Payload Specialist for the STS-42 mission. He eventually flew as a payload specialist on STS-83 in April 1997, a mission centered on the Microgravity Science Laboratory that was curtailed due to fuel cell power unit issues after 95 hours. He returned to orbit on STS-94 in July 1997, a reflight of the laboratory that lasted over 376 hours, covering 6.3 million miles during 251 Earth orbits.
Professional Recognition
Throughout his career, Crouch received numerous accolades, including the NASA Exceptional Performance Award in 1989 and the NASA Special Achievement Award in 1983. He was recognized by Virginia Tech with a Distinguished Alumni Achievement award in 1998 and by Tennessee Technological University as a Distinguished Alumnus in 1997.
Fast facts
- Born: 1940, Jamestown, Tennessee
- Education: Ph.D. in Physics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute
- NASA Career Start: 1962
- Space Shuttle Missions: STS-83, STS-94
- Total Spaceflight Time: Over 471 hours
- Awards: Eagle Scout
Questions readers ask
What was the scientific focus of the missions Crouch flew?
His missions focused on microgravity science, specifically materials and combustion research conducted within the Microgravity Science Laboratory.
Which organizations did Crouch work with regarding microgravity science?
He co-chaired working groups involving NASA and space agencies from the European Union, France, Germany, Japan, Russia, and Canada.
Achievements
- Eagle Scout
- Recorded as astronaut
