Steven Lindsey completed five space missions while logging over 1,500 hours in orbit during his career as a NASA astronaut. Commissioned as an Air Force officer in 1982, he transitioned from a military test pilot role to a pivotal position overseeing the Astronaut Office before concluding his service following the final flight of the Space Shuttle Discovery in 2011.
Military and Test Pilot Foundation
Born in Arcadia, California, in 1960, Lindsey graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1982. He earned pilot wings at Reese Air Force Base in 1983 and gained experience in RF-4C Phantom II aircraft. Following graduate studies at the Air Force Institute of Technology and training at the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, he conducted weapons systems testing on F-16 and F-4 aircraft at Eglin Air Force Base. He later served as an Integrated Product Team leader in the SEEK EAGLE Office, managing weapons certification for diverse aircraft including the F-16 and F-117.
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Selected as an astronaut candidate in March 1995, Lindsey qualified for flight assignment by May 1996. His early contributions focused on shuttle software verification and the Multifunction Electronic Display System. Beyond technical upgrades, he served as the Chief of International Space Station Operations, coordinating support for assembly and training. From 2006 to 2009, he acted as the Chief of the Astronaut Office, a responsibility he held until his selection for his final mission.
Spaceflight Missions
Lindsey served as pilot on STS-87 and STS-95. As a mission commander, he led STS-104, which involved installing the Joint Airlock Quest on the International Space Station, as well as STS-121 and STS-133. These missions facilitated significant research, including solar atmospheric observations and studies on the aging process in space. Throughout his tenure, he accumulated over 7,000 hours of flight time across more than 50 aircraft types.
Fast facts
- Born: 1960, Arcadia, California
- Education: United States Air Force Academy, 1982
- NASA Career Start: 1995
- Chief of the Astronaut Office: 2006-2009
- Total Spaceflight Missions: 5
- Total Hours in Space: Over 1,500
- Awards include: NASA Distinguished Service Medal (2007, 2011)
- Professional Membership: Society of Experimental Test Pilots
Questions readers ask
How many space missions did Steven Lindsey command?
He served as the mission commander for three flights: STS-104, STS-121, and STS-133.
What was his role at the Astronaut Office?
He served as the Chief of the Astronaut Office from September 2006 until October 2009.
Achievements
- Order of Merit (Ukraine), 3rd class
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, United States Air Force Academy and Temple City High School
- Worked as military officer, astronaut and engineer
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