One hundred and sixty-eight hours in space define the orbital career of Terry Jonathan Hart, a mission specialist who participated in the STS-41-C shuttle flight. Beyond his time as an astronaut, Hart pursued extensive technical work in mechanical and electrical engineering, serving in the United States Air Force and working in the private sector for Bell Labs and AT&T.
Academic and Technical Foundation
Born on October 27, 1946, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Hart graduated from Mt. Lebanon High School in 1964. He earned a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Lehigh University in 1968, followed by a Master of Science in the same discipline from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1969. In 1978, he added a Master of Science in electrical engineering from Rutgers University to his credentials. Lehigh University later awarded him an honorary doctorate of engineering in 1988.
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Hart entered the United States Air Force Reserve in 1969. He completed his pilot training in 1970 and subsequently flew F-106 interceptors for the Air Defense Command at Tyndall Air Force Base and Loring Air Force Base. Transitioning to the New Jersey Air National Guard in 1973, he served until 1985 and retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel in 1990. During his tenure at Bell Labs from 1968 to 1978, he developed electronic power equipment and earned two patents.
NASA Missions and STS-41-C
Selected as an astronaut candidate in January 1978, Hart qualified for flight in 1979. He served on support crews for missions STS-1, STS-2, STS-3, and STS-7, acting as CAPCOM in Mission Control. During STS-41-C, launched on April 6, 1984, he operated the Remote Manipulator System arm to deploy the Long Duration Exposure Facility and retrieve the Solar Maximum Satellite. After seven days in orbit, the mission concluded with a landing at Edwards Air Force Base.
Post-NASA Career and Affiliations
Following his NASA career, Hart served as the director of engineering and operations for the AT&T satellite network. He is presently a member of the engineering faculty at Lehigh University. His professional affiliations include the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Tau Beta Pi, Sigma Xi, and Delta Upsilon. He is also a recipient of the NASA Space Flight Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Rutgers Distinguished Alumnus Award.
Fast facts
- Born: October 27, 1946, Pittsburgh
- Military Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
- Education: Lehigh University, MIT, Rutgers University
- Spaceflight Hours: 168 hours
- Flight Mission: STS-41-C
- Awards: Aviation Hall of Fame and Museum of New Jersey
- Total Flying Time: 3,000 hours
Questions readers ask
What were Terry Hart's primary responsibilities on STS-41-C?
He served as a mission specialist and operated the Remote Manipulator System to deploy the Long Duration Exposure Facility and repair the Solar Maximum Satellite.
What companies did Hart work for after his military and astronaut career?
He worked for Bell Labs before joining NASA and served as director of engineering and operations for the AT&T satellite network after leaving the space agency.
Achievements
- Aviation Hall of Fame and Museum of New Jersey
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Rutgers University and Lehigh University
- Worked as military officer, astronaut and aircraft pilot
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