Two missions aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia and Endeavour resulted in Ronald A. Parise logging over 614 hours in orbit. As a payload specialist, he facilitated the operation of the Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope, contributing significantly to data collection on far-ultraviolet spectra and the polarization of light from distant galaxies and binary star systems.
Academic Foundation
Born in 1951 in Warren, Ohio, Parise cultivated an interest in astronomy and aviation during his youth, obtaining his amateur radio license at age eleven. He graduated from Warren G. Harding High School in 1969 before attending Youngstown State University. In 1973, he earned a bachelor of science degree in physics, complemented by minors in mathematics, astronomy, and geology. His specialization continued at the University of Florida, where he completed a master’s degree in 1977 and a doctorate in astronomy in 1979.
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Upon completing his education, Parise joined Operations Research Inc. to assist with avionics requirements and failure mode analyses for NASA. By 1980, he transitioned to Computer Sciences Corporation, managing hardcopy facilities for the International Ultraviolet Explorer. In 1981, he began work on the Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope, eventually earning selection as a payload specialist in 1984. His role involved extensive hardware and software development, mission planning, and simulator testing for the Astro mission series.
Spaceflight Contributions
Parise participated in two major scientific missions. During STS-35 in 1990, he served aboard the Columbia, where the crew utilized the Astro observatory to record spectral and polarimetric data. In 1995, he returned to orbit on STS-67 aboard the Endeavour for a record-setting 16-day flight focused on hot stars and distant galaxies. Beyond his primary scientific duties, he integrated amateur radio operations into the shuttle environment using the call sign WA4SIR.
Professional Legacy
Following his active flight career, Parise contributed to human spaceflight projects including the International Space Station, Mir, and the X-38. He focused on advanced communications planning and the implementation of standard Internet Protocols for space data transmission at the Goddard Space Flight Center. His research resulted in numerous publications within the field of binary star systems and globular clusters. Parise died in 2008 in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Fast facts
- Born: 1951, Warren, Ohio
- Died: 2008, Silver Spring, Maryland
- Education: Youngstown State University, University of Florida
- Space Missions: STS-35, STS-67
- Total flight time: Over 614 hours
- Amateur radio call sign: WA4SIR
- Primary scientific focus: Ultraviolet astronomy
Questions readers ask
How many times did Ronald A. Parise fly in space?
He flew twice, serving as a payload specialist on STS-35 in 1990 and STS-67 in 1995.
What scientific instruments did Parise operate in orbit?
He was heavily involved with the Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope and the Astro observatory.
Achievements
- Recorded as astronaut
