The first individual to accumulate more than 1,000 hours in the pilot and commander seat of a Space Shuttle, Terence T. Henricks built a career spanning military aviation and four orbital missions. A retired United States Air Force colonel, he balanced rigorous flight testing with complex administrative responsibilities within the National Aeronautics and Space Administration during his active service years.
Military and Test Pilot Career
Born in 1952 in Bryan, Ohio, and raised in Woodville, Henricks graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1974. He completed pilot training at Craig Air Force Base and gained experience flying F-4 Phantom II aircraft in Iceland and England. By 1983, he transitioned to the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. Based at Edwards Air Force Base, he operated as an F-16C test pilot and led the 57th Fighter Weapons Wing Operating Location. His background includes 749 parachute jumps and a Master Parachutist rating, with flight experience across 30 aircraft types totaling over 6,000 hours.
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Selected as an astronaut in 1985, Henricks contributed to ground-based technical roles, including re-evaluating landing sites and managing engineering integration for the Shuttle Program. He commanded two Space Shuttle missions and served as pilot on two others. His mission history began with STS-44 on Atlantis in 1991, followed by the STS-55 German D-2 Spacelab mission in 1993. He later flew STS-70 in 1995, an all-Ohio crew mission, and STS-78 in 1996, which served as a prototype for International Space Station research protocols.
Post-Government Business Career
After departing government service in November 1997, Henricks entered the private sector. He held the role of President of McGraw-Hill's Aviation Week, directing operations from New York City. He maintained this leadership position for over a decade, departing in 2010. His academic background includes a Master of Public Administration from Golden Gate University and an honorary Doctor of Science degree awarded by Defiance College in 1993.
Fast facts
- Born: 1952, Bryan, Ohio
- Military Rank: Colonel
- Education: United States Air Force Academy, 1974
- Total Space Shuttle missions: 4
- First person to exceed 1,000 hours as Shuttle pilot/commander
- Major Award: NASA Distinguished Service Medal, 1997
- Post-NASA role: President of Aviation Week
- Residence: Blanco, Texas
Questions readers ask
How many total flight hours did Henricks log?
He logged over 6,000 hours of flying time across 30 different types of aircraft.
What specific record did Henricks hold regarding Space Shuttle operations?
He was the first person to log more than 1,000 hours acting specifically as a Space Shuttle pilot or commander.
Achievements
- Distinguished Flying Cross
- NASA Distinguished Service Medal
- Recorded as military officer, astronaut and aircraft pilot
