| Aircraft
Accidents Theodore Freeman Charles Bassett II Elliot See Clifton Williams, Jr. Robert Lawrence Michael Adams Yuri Gagarin John McKay Stephen Thorne Stanley David Griggs Manley Carter, Jr. Patricia Hilliard Robertson
Apollo 1
Soyuz 11
Challenger STS-51L
Columbia
STS-107 Other |
Born: 19 May 1939, in Cle Elum, Washington. Education: Received a bachelor of science degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Arizona in 1965. Marital Status: Married the former June Kent. Children: Kathie R. (30 January 1961), and Richard W. (13 April 1964). Other Activities: He enjoyed flying, oil painting, woodworking, motorcycling, racquetball, jogging, most outdoor sports. Professional Organizations: Member of Tau Beta Pi (national engineering society), Society of Experimental Test Pilots, Society of Experimental Aircraft Association, and the Air Force Association. Awards: Scobee and his six crewmates were awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor on 23 July 2004. Special Honors: Awarded the Air Fore Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, and two NASA Exceptional Service Medals. Experience: Dick Scobee enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1957, trained as a reciprocating engine mechanic, and was subsequently stationed at Kelly Air Force Base, Texas. While there, he attended night school and acquired two years of college credit which led to his selection for the Airman's Education and Commissioning Program. He received his commission in 1965 and, after receiving his wings in 1966, completed a number of assignments including a combat tour in Vietnam. He returned to the United States and attended the USAF Aerospace Research Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base, California. After graduating in 1972, he participated in test programs for which he has flown such varied aircraft as the Boeing 747, the X-24B, the F-111, and the C-5. He logged more than 6,500 hours flying time in 45 types of aircraft. NASA Experience: Scobee was selected as an astronaut candidate by NASA in January 1978. In August 1979, he completed a one-year training and evaluation period, making him eligible for assignment as a pilot on future Space Shuttle missions. In addition to astronaut duties, he was an Instructor Pilot on the NASA/Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. Dick flew as pilot of Challenger STS-41C, which launched on April 6, 1984. During this mission, the crew successfully deployed the Long Duration Exposure Facility, and captured, repaired, and redeployed the Solar Maximum Satellite. He logged 168 hours in space on this seven day mission, which ended on April 13, 1984 with a landing at Edwards Air Force Base, California. His final mission was as commander of Challenger STS-51L. This mission included the first citizen, Teacher In Space Christa McAuliffe. It was to have deployed a Tracking and Data Relay Satellite, and a retrievable spacecraft, SPARTAN, to study Comet Halley. Challenger was destroyed 73 seconds after liftoff, killing all seven on board. Quotes: "It's a real crime to be paid for a job that I have so much fun doing." "You have to risk something to gain something." |
