Three Space Shuttle missions and a tenure on the International Space Station define the operational career of William S. McArthur. A graduate of the United States Military Academy, he transitioned from a military aviator to an experimental test pilot, eventually joining NASA to log over 9,000 flight hours across diverse aerospace platforms before directing mission safety protocols.
Military Foundations
Born in 1951 in Laurinburg, North Carolina, McArthur pursued a career in the United States Army. After graduating in 1973 with a degree in applied science and engineering, he served with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg. His technical training continued at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he earned a Master of Science in aerospace engineering in 1983. Before his NASA selection, he attended the United States Naval Test Pilot School in 1987, qualifying as an experimental test pilot.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →NASA Missions and Flight Experience
McArthur became an astronaut candidate in 1990. His spaceflight career commenced in 1993 with STS-58, followed by assignments on STS-74 in 1995 and STS-92 in 2000. In 2005, he joined Expedition 12, reaching the International Space Station via a Russian Soyuz TMA-7 capsule. He remained on the station until April 2006, serving as an expedition commander.
Operational Innovation
During his time on the International Space Station, McArthur conducted research into spacewalk efficiency. In April 2006, he and flight officer Jeffrey Williams evaluated the campout procedure in the Quest airlock. By reducing cabin pressure to 10.2 psi overnight, the pair tested an alternative to the standard pre-breathe method used to prevent decompression sickness. Despite an error tone that concluded the test prematurely, the experiment provided data for future orbital preparation.
Leadership and Post-Flight Service
Upon retiring from the Army in 2001, McArthur continued his association with NASA in administrative roles. He served as the Director of Safety and Mission Assurance at the Johnson Space Center until his retirement in June 2017. Throughout his career, he earned numerous decorations, including the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, and the Medal for Merit in Space Exploration.
Fast facts
- Born: 1951, Laurinburg
- Military Rank: Colonel
- Education: US Military Academy, Georgia Tech
- Expedition 12 Commander: 2005-2006
- Retirement from NASA: 2017
- Awards: NASA Distinguished Service Medal
- Residence: Friendswood, Texas
Questions readers ask
What was the purpose of the Expedition 12 campout test?
The test aimed to refine spacewalk preparation by shortening the time required to purge nitrogen from the body compared to the traditional pure oxygen pre-breathe method.
What roles did McArthur hold after retiring from the Army?
He served as the Director of Safety and Mission Assurance for the Johnson Space Center.
Achievements
- Affiliated with United States Military Academy
- Educated at United States Military Academy, Georgia Tech and United States Naval Test Pilot School
- Worked as astronaut, engineer and army officer
