Three separate shuttle missions define the career of William F. Readdy, who accumulated over 672 hours in space during the 1990s. Beyond his role as an astronaut, Readdy managed complex operations at NASA Headquarters and served as a test pilot across various aircraft types, transitioning from naval service to lead significant shuttle development programs.
Military Foundations and Flight Training
Graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 1974, Readdy entered service as a Naval Aviator. He gained extensive experience flying the A-6 Intruder while deployed to the North Atlantic and Mediterranean on the USS Forrestal between 1976 and 1980. After completing the United States Naval Test Pilot School in 1980, he served as a project test pilot and instructor. By the end of his military career, he had accumulated 7,000 flight hours across more than 60 fixed-wing and rotary aircraft, including 550 carrier landings.
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Readdy joined the Johnson Space Center in 1986, initially working as a research pilot and managing the Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. Selected for the 1987 astronaut group, he served in diverse technical roles, including NASA Director of Operations in Star City, Russia. His spaceflight career consisted of three missions: STS-42 in 1992, STS-51 in 1993, and STS-79 in 1996. Following these missions, he became the Associate Administrator of the Office of Space Flight, overseeing programs for the International Space Station, Space Shuttle, and various launch vehicles until his retirement in 2005.
Post-NASA Professional Roles
Following his 19-year tenure at NASA, Readdy shifted toward leadership roles in space education and commercial aerospace. He served as the chairman of the board for the Challenger Center for Space Science Education starting in 2007. His industry involvement has included board positions with Astrobotic Technology and the Firefly Aerospace Advisory Board, where he applies his background in flight operations and program management to private sector aerospace initiatives.
Fast facts
- Born: 1952, Quonset Point
- Education: United States Naval Academy (1974)
- Space missions: STS-42, STS-51, STS-79
- Total space flight time: 672+ hours
- Military rank: Captain
- NASA retirement: October 15, 2005
- Awards: NASA Distinguished Service Medal (2002)
- Professional affiliations: Society of Experimental Test Pilots
Questions readers ask
What was William F. Readdy's role at NASA Headquarters?
He served as the Associate Administrator of the Office of Space Flight, where he provided oversight for several NASA centers and major programs like the International Space Station.
Did William F. Readdy serve in the military?
Yes, he was a captain in the U.S. Navy and a Naval Aviator who flew over 60 different types of aircraft.
Achievements
- Distinguished Flying Cross
- Legionnaire of Legion of Merit
- NASA Distinguished Service Medal
- Recorded as military officer, astronaut and aircraft pilot
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