Thomas David Jones spent over 1,272 hours in space across four separate missions, serving as both a mission specialist and a payload commander. His career bridged the gap between military aviation and planetary science, moving from flying B-52 Stratofortress bombers for the United States Air Force to installing modules on the International Space Station.
Military and Academic Foundations
Born in Baltimore in 1955, Jones graduated from Kenwood High School before earning a Bachelor of Science from the United States Air Force Academy in 1977. During his six years of active duty, he served as an aircraft pilot and commander of a B-52 D Stratofortress, logging over 2,000 hours in jet aircraft. After departing the military as a captain in 1983, he pursued academic research in planetary science at the University of Arizona, completing his doctorate in 1988.
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Selected by NASA in 1990, Jones became an astronaut in 1991. His flight experience began in 1994 with two missions on Space Shuttle Endeavour, STS-59 and STS-68, where he focused on radar laboratory operations. In 1996, he served on STS-80 aboard Columbia, participating in the deployment and retrieval of research satellites. His final flight, STS-98 in 2001, involved delivering the Destiny laboratory module to the International Space Station, requiring three separate spacewalks totaling more than 19 hours.
Consulting and Scientific Contributions
Since retiring from NASA in 2001, Jones has maintained a career as a planetary scientist and space consultant. He served on the NASA Advisory Council from 2006 to 2009 and currently works as a senior research scientist at the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition. His post-flight work centers on planning robotic and human exploration of near-Earth asteroids and deep space, while also contributing to public understanding through authorship and regular media commentary.
Fast facts
- Born: 1955, Baltimore, Maryland
- Education: United States Air Force Academy, University of Arizona
- NASA Selection: 1990
- Total Space Flight Time: 1,272 hours
- Military Rank: Captain
- Asteroid Named in Honor: 10828 Tomjones
- Awards: NASA Distinguished Service Medal (2002)
- Hall of Fame Induction: April 21, 2018
Questions readers ask
How many times did Thomas David Jones fly into space?
He completed four missions: STS-59, STS-68, STS-80, and STS-98.
What is his educational background?
He holds a B.S. in Basic Sciences from the Air Force Academy and a Ph.D. in Planetary Science from the University of Arizona.
Achievements
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at University of Arizona, United States Air Force Academy and Kenwood High School
- Worked as military officer, astronaut and aircraft pilot
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