Births on April 15

Marsha Ivins

Born on April 15, 1951

Marsha Ivins, American engineer and astronaut

Marsha Sue Ivins, born on April 15, 1951, is a highly distinguished American former astronaut whose remarkable career saw her soar into space on five separate Space Shuttle missions. A true veteran of orbital flight, Ivins dedicated decades to space exploration, leaving an indelible mark on NASA's human spaceflight program.

Early Life and Path to NASA

Hailing from Baltimore, Maryland, Marsha Ivins cultivated an early interest in aviation and engineering. Her academic journey led her to the University of Colorado Boulder, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering in 1973. This foundational education equipped her with the technical prowess that would later prove invaluable in the demanding field of spaceflight.

Ivins's career with NASA began in 1974 at the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, initially working as an engineer. Her early roles involved working on flight control systems and display panels for the Space Shuttle. This hands-on experience provided her with a deep understanding of the intricate machinery and operational procedures critical for space missions. Her dedication and expertise were recognized when she was selected as an astronaut candidate in May 1984, becoming part of NASA's Group 10 astronauts. After a year of intensive training and evaluation, she officially became an astronaut in July 1985, poised for her eventual journeys beyond Earth.

A Stellar Career: Five Space Shuttle Missions

Throughout her career, Marsha Ivins distinguished herself as a skilled and reliable mission specialist, particularly renowned for her expertise in operating the Space Shuttle's robotic arm, the Remote Manipulator System (RMS). Her five missions showcased her versatility and commitment to a wide array of scientific and operational objectives:

STS-32 (1990): Her inaugural flight aboard Space Shuttle Columbia saw the successful deployment of the Syncom IV-F5 communications satellite and the retrieval of NASA's Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF), a free-flying science laboratory.
STS-46 (1992): Aboard Atlantis, this mission deployed the European Retrievable Carrier (EURECA) satellite and conducted the first test flight of the Tethered Satellite System (TSS) in collaboration with the Italian Space Agency.
STS-62 (1994): Flying on Columbia, this mission focused on microgravity research and technology demonstrations, conducting various experiments in Earth orbit.
STS-81 (1997): As part of a series of missions to the Russian Mir space station, Ivins flew on Atlantis to dock with Mir, exchanging crew members and transferring supplies, demonstrating international cooperation in space.
STS-98 (2001): Her final mission aboard Atlantis was a critical assembly flight to the International Space Station (ISS). Ivins played a pivotal role in the delivery and installation of the Destiny Laboratory Module, a key component of the U.S. segment of the station, using the robotic arm with precision.

These missions collectively represent over 1,318 hours (more than 54 days) spent in space, underscoring her extensive experience and significant contributions to space science, satellite deployment, and the assembly of the International Space Station.

Retirement and Legacy

Marsha Ivins retired from NASA in January 2010, concluding a remarkable career spanning more than 35 years with the agency, including 26 years as an astronaut. Her legacy is one of unwavering dedication, technical excellence, and pioneering spirit. She stands as an inspiring figure, particularly for women in STEM fields, demonstrating what can be achieved through rigorous education and steadfast pursuit of one's goals. Her work contributed directly to advancing our understanding of space and building the orbital outpost that continues to serve as a beacon of international collaboration and scientific discovery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Marsha Ivins

When was Marsha Ivins born?: Marsha Sue Ivins was born on April 15, 1951.
What is Marsha Ivins known for?: She is an American retired astronaut and a veteran of five Space Shuttle missions, distinguished for her expertise as a mission specialist and her proficiency in operating the Space Shuttle's robotic arm.
How many times did Marsha Ivins travel to space?: Marsha Ivins completed five Space Shuttle missions during her career with NASA.
Which Space Shuttle missions did she participate in?: Her missions included STS-32 (1990), STS-46 (1992), STS-62 (1994), STS-81 (1997), and STS-98 (2001).
What was her primary role during her space missions?: She served as a mission specialist, often taking on critical responsibilities such as operating the Space Shuttle's Remote Manipulator System (robotic arm) for deploying and retrieving satellites or assisting with the assembly of the International Space Station.
When did Marsha Ivins retire from NASA?: She retired from NASA in January 2010, after a career spanning over three decades.
What is Marsha Ivins's educational background?: She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder, which she earned in 1973.

References

Marsha Ivins

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Events on 1951

11 Apr

President Truman's relief of General Douglas MacArthur
Korean War: President Harry Truman relieves General of the Army Douglas MacArthur of overall command in Korea.
22 Apr

Battle of Kapyong
Korean War: The Chinese People's Volunteer Army begin assaulting positions defended by the Royal Australian Regiment and the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry at the Battle of Kapyong.
25 Apr

Battle of Kapyong
Korean War: Assaulting Chinese forces are forced to withdraw after heavy fighting with UN forces, primarily made up of Australian and Canadian troops, at the Battle of Kapyong.
3 May

Harry Truman
The United States Senate Committee on Armed Services and United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations begin their closed door hearings into the dismissal of General Douglas MacArthur by U.S. President Harry Truman.
15 Oct

Combined oral contraceptive pill
Mexican chemist Luis E. Miramontes conducts the very last step of the first synthesis of norethisterone, the progestin that would later be used in one of the first three oral contraceptives.