Logbooks record more than 195 days spent in space for Steven Swanson, an engineer and retired NASA astronaut who completed five spacewalks. Throughout his career, he navigated diverse technical roles, moving from private industry software development to commanding missions on the International Space Station before transitioning into academic research at Boise State University.
Academic Foundation and Early Career
Born in 1960 in Syracuse, New York, Swanson graduated from Steamboat Springs High School in 1979. His technical education includes a bachelor's degree in engineering physics from the University of Colorado Boulder, earned in 1983. He subsequently obtained a master of applied science in computer systems from Florida Atlantic University in 1986, followed by a doctorate in computer science from Texas A&M University in 1998. Prior to his selection as an astronaut, he held a position as a software engineer at GTE in Phoenix, Arizona.
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Swanson began his tenure at NASA in 1987, working as a systems and flight engineer on the Shuttle Training Aircraft. Selected as an astronaut in May 1998, he participated in three distinct flight missions. His first flight, STS-117, launched in June 2007. He served as a mission specialist and lead spacewalker for STS-119, which occurred between March 15 and March 28, 2009. His final orbital operation involved launching from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on March 25, 2014, as a member of Expedition 39 and 40. He served as the commander for Expedition 40, returning to Earth on September 11, 2014.
Post-Retirement and Recognition
Following his retirement from NASA in August 2015, Swanson shifted his focus to the academic sector. He joined Boise State University as a distinguished educator in residence, where he contributes to initiatives such as the NASA Spacesuit User Interface Technologies for Students program. His professional contributions have been recognized with several honors, most notably the NASA Distinguished Service Medal awarded in 2014, as well as the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal and the JSC Certificate of Accommodation.
Fast facts
- Born: 1960, Syracuse, New York
- Education: University of Colorado, Florida Atlantic University, Texas A&M University
- First Mission: STS-117 (2007)
- Total Space Time: Over 195 days
- Spacewalks: 5 (27 hours, 58 minutes total)
- Expedition Commander: 2014
- NASA Retirement: 2015
- Current Position: Boise State University
Questions readers ask
What was Swanson's primary role during his NASA career?
He served as both a systems engineer and a flight engineer, eventually becoming an astronaut who conducted space shuttle and Soyuz flights.
Where does Steven Swanson work now?
He serves as a distinguished educator in residence at Boise State University, focusing on student-led space technology programs.
Achievements
- Affiliated with Boise State University
- Educated at Texas A&M University, University of Colorado and Florida Atlantic University
- Worked as astronaut and engineer