Scott Altman flew as a pilot and commander on four separate Space Shuttle missions between 1998 and 2009, logging over 40 days in total orbital time. Beyond his contributions to space exploration, he served as a decorated United States Navy officer and participated in the aerial cinematography for the 1986 feature film Top Gun.
Military Aviation Career
Commissioned as an ensign in 1981, Altman earned his naval aviator wings two years later. He served with Fighter Squadron 51, flying F-14A Tomcat aircraft during deployments to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean. His aptitude led to his selection for the Naval Postgraduate School-Test Pilot School Co-op program, graduating in 1990. As a test pilot at Patuxent River, he evaluated F-14 projects before deploying with the VF-31 Tomcatters. During his service, he flew over Southern Iraq in support of Operation Southern Watch, earning the Air Medal. His extensive career includes over 7,000 flight hours across more than 40 different aircraft types.
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Altman joined the NASA astronaut program in 1994, reporting to the Johnson Space Center the following year. His first flight occurred in 1998 on STS-90, a sixteen-day study of the nervous system in microgravity. He piloted STS-106 in 2000, which prepared the International Space Station for its first permanent inhabitants. As mission commander, he led STS-109 in 2002 to service the Hubble Space Telescope. He concluded his spaceflight career commanding STS-125 in 2009, the final mission dedicated to repairing and upgrading the Hubble telescope with advanced cameras and instruments.
Post-NASA Professional Life
Following his retirement from NASA in 2010, Altman transitioned into the private sector, eventually serving as the president of the space operating group for ASRC Federal. His professional legacy remains linked to both his military and space service, recognized by awards including the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was inducted into the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame in 2018.
Fast facts
- Born: 1959, Lincoln, Illinois
- Education: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Naval Postgraduate School
- Military Rank: Captain
- Space Shuttle Missions: 4
- Total Spaceflight Time: Over 40 days
- Flight Experience: Over 7,000 hours in 40+ aircraft
- Hall of Fame Induction: 2018
- Current Role: President of space operating group, ASRC Federal
Questions readers ask
Did Scott Altman fly in the movie Top Gun?
Yes, he performed many of the aerial stunts for the 1986 film, including the scene where the F-14 pilot buzzes the control tower.
What was his final NASA mission?
His last mission was STS-125 in May 2009, which served as the final maintenance and upgrade flight for the Hubble Space Telescope.
Achievements
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Naval Postgraduate School and United States Naval Test Pilot School
- Worked as military officer, astronaut and military flight engineer
