The original astronauts selected in 1959 and 1962 were all top-caliber test pilots with extensive flying experience. However, later groups of astronauts had more impressive academic credentials as well as more varied experiences. Among the latter, are the group I would call the over- achievers. They have multiple degrees, flying skills (altho not test pilots), and a raft of practical achievements. The prototype in my mind is the wonderful Dr. Story Musgrave. Another of the over achievers is Scott Parazynski who has just been named a professor at Arizona State. Here are excerpts from the ASU press release: Parazynski holds a doctor of medicine with deep expertise in the fields of space physiology, aviation, biotechnology and human adaptation to extreme environments. Over the course of 16 years, Parazynski was a mission specialist, physician, flight engineer and one of NASAs most experienced spacewalkers. He flew on five Space Shuttle missions, including STS 66/Atlantis, STS 86/Atlantis to the Russian Space Station Mir, STS 95/Discovery and STS 100/Endeavour to the International Space Station. On his last mission, STS 120/Discovery, he led the unplanned repair of a live solar array, a $1 billion national asset that required new tools and technical development in less than 72 hours. Parazynski is the recipient of two NASA Distinguished Service Medals, five NASA Space Flight Medals, the Randolph C. Lovelace Award from the Society of NASA Flight Surgeons, the Aviation Week Laureate Award and Lowell Thomas Award from the Explorers Club for his contributions. Parazynski was a young achiever. His first invention was a bike-powered lawnmower at age eight. Since then, hes continued to invent, founded start-up ventures and been consultant to a myriad of commercial enterprises. An experienced diver, pilot and mountaineer, hes climbed Everest and summited all 59 of Colorados peaks over 14,000 feet (called the Colorado Grand Slam).
Posted on: Fri, 17 Oct 2014 00:53:05 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015