Ronald J. Garan has logged over 5,000 flight hours across more than thirty different aircraft and spent 178 days in space during his career. A former military officer and astronaut, his work spans service as a combat-ready F-16 pilot, participation in undersea research missions, and multiple expeditions aboard the International Space Station.
Military Career and Combat Service
Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force in 1984, Garan completed pilot training at Vance Air Force Base before transitioning to the F-16. He served with the 496th Tactical Fighter Squadron in West Germany and later the 17th Tactical Fighter Squadron. During Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, he deployed to Southwest Asia to fly combat missions. He attended the USAF Fighter Weapons School in 1989 and subsequently served as an instructor pilot and evaluator. In 1994, he joined the 39th Flight Test Squadron as a developmental test pilot. He retired from the Air Force on June 1, 2009, while holding the rank of colonel.
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Selected as a NASA pilot in July 2000, Garan completed two years of training before accepting technical duties in the Astronaut Office. He participated in the NEEMO-9 project in 2006, spending eighteen days as an aquanaut in the Aquarius undersea laboratory to develop lunar surface exploration procedures. His spaceflight experience includes the STS-124 mission in May 2008 and a six-month tenure on the International Space Station starting in April 2011 as part of Expedition 27. Over his tenure, he performed four spacewalks totaling 27 hours and 3 minutes, covering over 71 million miles across 2,842 orbits of Earth.
Education and Post-Service Engagement
Garan holds a Bachelor of Science in business economics, a Master of Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and a Master of Science in aerospace engineering from the University of Florida. Following his NASA service, he transitioned into social entrepreneurship and advisory roles. He founded the Manna Energy Foundation and the Fragile Oasis project, the latter focused on integrating space and planetary sciences. He also serves as chair for the Constellation Foundation, Desert Oasis Inc., and New Epoch Publishing, while holding advisory positions with organizations such as Space for Humanity and the nonpartisan group Represent.Us.
Fast facts
- Born: 1961, Yonkers, New York
- Military Rank: Colonel
- Education: University of Florida, Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University
- Spaceflight Missions: STS-124, Expedition 27
- Total Space Time: 178 days
- Undersea Missions: NEEMO-9 (18 days)
- Primary Awards: NASA Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal
Questions readers ask
What was Garan's role in the NEEMO project?
He served as an aquanaut in 2006 during the 18-day NEEMO-9 mission, which focused on testing telemedical technology and lunar exploration procedures.
In which military operations did Garan fly combat missions?
He flew F-16 combat missions during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm between August 1990 and March 1991.
Achievements
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at University of Florida, Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University and State University of New York at Oneonta
- Worked as military officer, astronaut and fighter pilot
