Four separate space shuttle missions defined the professional trajectory of Scott J. Horowitz, an engineer and military officer who later directed exploration initiatives for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Born in Philadelphia in 1957, he built a career spanning aeronautical science, pilot training, and executive leadership within both the federal government and private aerospace sector.
Academic and Military Foundation
Horowitz began his formal education at California State University, Northridge, in 1974, completing a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering four years later. He continued his studies at the Georgia Institute of Technology, earning a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering in 1982. Following his academic work, he held a position as a scientist for the Lockheed Company. He later joined the United States Air Force, where he operated T-38 and F-15 aircraft. His technical proficiency expanded through instruction in propulsion and aircraft design at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and California State University, Fresno. In December 1990, he graduated from the United States Air Force Test Pilot School as a member of class 90-A.
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Selected as an astronaut candidate in 1992, Horowitz participated in four shuttle flights. He served as pilot for STS-75 in 1996, which involved a tethered satellite mission, and STS-82 in 1997, which focused on servicing the Hubble Space Telescope. During STS-101 in 2000, he participated in a supply mission to the International Space Station. In 2001, he commanded STS-105, which facilitated equipment transfer and crew rotation at the station. Throughout his active flight career, he logged significant time in orbit across these four deployments.
NASA Leadership and Private Sector
Horowitz concluded his initial NASA service and Air Force career in October 2004. During his hiatus from government work, he joined ATK Thiokol, an aerospace firm specializing in solid rocket boosters. While employed there, he developed concepts for solid-fuel launch vehicles. In September 2005, he returned to NASA as the Associate Administrator for the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate at the invitation of Administrator Michael D. Griffin. In this capacity, he oversaw the hardware development for the Vision for Space Exploration. He held this position until his departure from the agency on October 1, 2007.
Advocacy and Advisory Roles
Beyond his NASA career, Horowitz has engaged in the promotion of human Mars exploration and the establishment of permanent outposts. He holds membership on the steering committee of the Mars Society, and he famously displayed a Martian flag during one of his shuttle missions. His professional advisory work has continued into the private sector, including his appointment to the board of advisors for the DAV foundation in January 2018.
Fast facts
- Born: 1957, Philadelphia
- Education: California State University, Northridge; Georgia Tech; U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School
- Military Rank: Colonel
- NASA Distinguished Service Medal: 2002
- Space Flight Experience: Four shuttle missions (STS-75, STS-82, STS-101, STS-105)
- Significant Affiliation: Mars Society steering committee
Questions readers ask
What was the primary focus of Horowitz's tenure as Associate Administrator?
He led the effort to develop mission hardware for the Vision for Space Exploration, specifically targeting a return to the Moon.
Which educational institutions did Horowitz attend?
He attended California State University, Northridge; the Georgia Institute of Technology; and the United States Air Force Test Pilot School.
Achievements
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, Georgia Tech and California State University, Northridge
- Worked as military officer, astronaut and aircraft pilot
