William C. McCool served as the pilot for the STS-107 mission aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia, which concluded on February 1, 2003. His career spanned service as a United States naval officer, test pilot, and aeronautical engineer. His work with NASA ended during the shuttle's disintegration over the southern United States during reentry, sixteen minutes before the scheduled landing.
Early Education and Military Foundations
Born in San Diego in 1961, McCool attended schools in Guam and later graduated from Coronado High School in Lubbock, Texas, in 1979. He enrolled at the United States Naval Academy, graduating second in his class in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Science. He continued his academic development at the University of Maryland, College Park, earning a Master of Science in Computer Science in 1985, and later obtained a Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from the United States Naval Postgraduate School in 1992.
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McCool became a designated Naval Aviator in August 1986. He trained for the EA-6B Prowler at NAS Whidbey Island and completed tours with VAQ-133, deploying aboard the USS Coral Sea. In 1991, he graduated from the United States Naval Test Pilot School as an outstanding student. Following his graduation, he served as a test pilot for the TA-4J and EA-6B at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, managing projects involving avionics upgrades and airframe fatigue life. During his naval career, he accumulated over 2,800 flight hours across 24 different aircraft.
NASA Career and Final Mission
Selected by NASA in April 1996, McCool reported to the Johnson Space Center that August. After completing two years of evaluation, he qualified as a shuttle pilot, contributing to the Astronaut Office through cockpit upgrade initiatives. As the pilot for STS-107, he helped execute approximately 80 research experiments during the 16-day flight. McCool is buried at the United States Naval Academy Cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1961, San Diego
- Died: 2003, Texas
- Education: United States Naval Academy, Naval Postgraduate School
- Military Rank: Commander
- Selected by NASA: 1996
- Key Award: Congressional Space Medal of Honor (2004)
- Early Achievement: Eagle Scout
- Burial Site: United States Naval Academy Cemetery
Questions readers ask
What was William C. McCool's role on STS-107?
He served as the pilot of the Space Shuttle Columbia.
Where did McCool receive his flight training?
He was designated a Naval Aviator in 1986 and attended the United States Naval Test Pilot School.
Achievements
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at United States Naval Academy, Naval Postgraduate School and United States Naval Test Pilot School
- Worked as military officer, astronaut and aircraft pilot
