A degree in engineering sciences from the United States Air Force Academy in 1979 launched William G. Gregory into a career encompassing over 5,000 hours of flight time across 40 different aircraft models. As a military officer and NASA astronaut, his professional trajectory spanned rigorous testing of fighter jets and an extended research mission into low Earth orbit.
Academic and Military Foundation
Born in 1957 in Lockport, New York, Gregory attended Lockport High School, graduating in 1975. His early pursuit of structured development included attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. Following his graduation from the Air Force Academy, he completed a master’s degree in engineering mechanics at the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science in 1980, later earning a master’s in management from Troy University in 1984.
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From 1981 to 1986, Gregory served as an operational fighter pilot, flying F-111 D and F models. His duties included acting as an instructor pilot at Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico and at RAF Lakenheath. In 1987, he enrolled in the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. Between 1988 and 1990, stationed at Edwards Air Force Base, he conducted flight tests on the F-4, A-7D, and all five models of the F-15.
NASA Missions and Assignments
Selected by NASA in January 1990 and qualifying as an astronaut by July 1991, Gregory contributed to several ground-based technical programs, including the Shuttle Avionics Integration Laboratory and Kennedy Space Center support. He served as the pilot for STS-67, a seven-person mission aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Launching on March 2, 1995, and returning on March 18, 1995, the crew completed 262 orbits, setting a mission duration record of 16 days, 15 hours, 8 minutes, and 46 seconds.
Professional Transition
By the summer of 1999, Gregory retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the Air Force and concluded his tenure with NASA. His subsequent career included a position as Vice President of Business Development for Qwaltec, Inc. in Tempe, Arizona. He also performed duties as a captain for a cargo airline.
Fast facts
- Born: 1957, Lockport
- Education: United States Air Force Academy, Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, Troy University
- Military Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
- NASA Selection: January 1990
- Space Flight: STS-67
- Flight Experience: Over 5,000 hours
- Awards: Eagle Scout
Questions readers ask
How many hours did William G. Gregory spend in space?
He logged 400 hours in space during the STS-67 mission.
What aircraft did he test at Edwards Air Force Base?
He tested the F-4, A-7D, and all five models of the F-15.
Achievements
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science and United States Air Force Academy
- Worked as military officer and astronaut
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