Two hundred combat missions over Vietnam formed the early experience of Ronald J. Grabe before he transitioned into a career as a test pilot and NASA astronaut. Born in 1945 in New York City, Grabe leveraged his engineering education and tactical flight expertise to command space shuttle missions and contribute to critical aeronautical research for the United States military.
Early Education and Military Service
Grabe graduated from Stuyvesant High School in 1962 and attended the United States Air Force Academy, earning a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Science in 1966. Following studies as a Fulbright Scholar in Germany, he underwent pilot training in Texas. His service included flying F-100 aircraft with the 27th Tactical Fighter Wing and combat operations in Vietnam. He later participated in flight testing for F-111 aircraft and served as an exchange pilot with the Royal Air Force in the United Kingdom, where he performed project pilot duties for the Harrier and Sea Harrier programs.
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Selected as an astronaut in 1981, Grabe moved into roles involving simulation testing and training management. His flight career involved four shuttle missions. He piloted STS-51-J, which served as the first flight of the Atlantis orbiter, and STS-30, which deployed the Magellan probe to Venus. In 1992, he commanded STS-42, focusing on microgravity research within the International Microgravity Laboratory. His final mission, STS-57, involved the recovery of the European Retrievable Carrier satellite and the first use of the Spacehab module. He logged over 627 hours in space before leaving government service in 1994.
Professional Recognition
Grabe achieved the rank of Colonel during his time in the United States Air Force. His military decorations include the Air Force Cross, the Air Medal, and the Distinguished Flying Cross. His contributions to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration were marked by the receipt of the NASA Distinguished Service Medal in 1994, alongside various NASA Space Flight Medals. Following his departure from NASA, he joined the Orbital Sciences Corporation based in Dulles, Virginia.
Fast facts
- Born: 1945, New York City
- Military Rank: Colonel
- Total flight time: Over 5,500 hours
- Time in space: Over 627 hours
- Space missions flown: 4
- Education: United States Air Force Academy, 1966
- Post-NASA career: Orbital Sciences Corporation
Questions readers ask
What was the main purpose of the STS-30 mission?
The primary objective was the deployment of the Magellan Venus-exploration spacecraft.
Which aircraft did Grabe test while serving with the Royal Air Force?
He served as the chief project pilot for the Harrier and the Sea Harrier.
Achievements
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, United States Air Force Academy and Stuyvesant High School
- Worked as military officer, astronaut and aircraft pilot
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