Janice E. Voss, American engineer and astronaut (b. 1956)
Janice Elaine Voss, born on October 8, 1956, and passing on February 6, 2012, was an extraordinary American engineer and a highly accomplished NASA astronaut. Her distinguished career exemplified the intersection of rigorous scientific inquiry and daring space exploration, leaving an indelible mark on human spaceflight.
A Foundation in Engineering Excellence
Voss's journey into space was firmly rooted in an exceptional academic background, distinguishing her as a formidable intellect in highly specialized fields:
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering Science: She earned her undergraduate degree from Purdue University in 1978. Purdue is renowned for its strong engineering programs and has historically produced more NASA astronauts than any other institution, earning it the moniker "Cradle of Astronauts."
- Master of Science in Electrical Engineering: Furthering her expertise, Voss pursued and obtained her master's degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1987. This advanced study provided her with a deep understanding of complex electrical systems crucial for spacecraft operations.
- Doctorate in Aeronautics and Astronautics: Demonstrating her commitment to the pinnacle of aerospace knowledge, she also earned her Ph.D. from MIT in 1987. Her doctoral research, likely involving advanced topics in spacecraft dynamics, control systems, or robotics, equipped her with the theoretical and practical knowledge to tackle the most challenging aspects of space travel.
Her comprehensive education prepared her not only for the rigors of spaceflight but also for significant contributions to space technology and research.
A Distinguished Career as a NASA Astronaut
Janice Voss was selected as an astronaut candidate by NASA in 1990, joining a select group of individuals poised to contribute to the Space Shuttle Program. Throughout her career, she demonstrated remarkable dedication and versatility, accumulating extensive experience in microgravity research and orbital operations.
Record-Setting Spaceflights
Voss flew into space an impressive five times, an achievement that placed her in an elite category. She jointly held the record for the most spaceflights by an American woman, sharing this distinction with other pioneering astronauts such as Shannon Lucid, Marsha Ivins, Bonnie Dunbar, Ellen Ochoa, and Pamela Melroy. Each of her missions contributed significantly to scientific understanding and space exploration:
- STS-57 (June 21 – July 1, 1993): Her inaugural mission aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour, which involved deploying and retrieving the European Retrievable Carrier (EURECA) satellite and conducting experiments aboard the SPACEHAB-1 module.
- STS-63 (February 3 – February 11, 1995): Aboard Space Shuttle Discovery, this mission marked the first rendezvous between the Space Shuttle and the Russian Mir space station, a crucial step in international space cooperation.
- STS-83 (April 4 – April 8, 1997): Flying on Space Shuttle Columbia, this mission was focused on the Microgravity Science Laboratory (MSL-1). However, a fuel cell problem cut the mission short.
- STS-94 (July 1 – July 17, 1997): Due to the premature ending of STS-83, Voss and the entire crew re-flew the Microgravity Science Laboratory (MSL-1) mission just three months later. This unprecedented re-flight highlighted the crew's dedication and the importance of the microgravity research.
- STS-99 (February 11 – February 22, 2000): Her final mission aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour was the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), which generated the most complete high-resolution digital topographic database of the Earth's land surface.
Beyond her flights, Voss also served in various crucial roles within NASA, including the Payload COTS (Commercial Orbital Transportation Services) Program Manager and as the Science Directorate for the Kepler Space Telescope, showcasing her leadership and scientific acumen.
Legacy and Passing
Janice Elaine Voss passed away in Arizona on February 6, 2012, at the age of 55, after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Her contributions to space exploration, her groundbreaking achievements as an astronaut, and her enduring commitment to science and engineering continue to inspire future generations. In recognition of her remarkable career, Northrop Grumman's Cygnus NG-15 resupply spacecraft, launched to the International Space Station in February 2021, was named the S.S. Janice Voss in her honor, ensuring her name remains synonymous with pioneering space endeavors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Janice Elaine Voss
- When was Janice Elaine Voss born and when did she pass away?
- Janice Elaine Voss was born on October 8, 1956, and she passed away on February 6, 2012.
- What was Janice Elaine Voss's profession?
- She was an American engineer and a distinguished NASA astronaut.
- Where did Janice Elaine Voss receive her education?
- She earned her B.S. in engineering science from Purdue University, and both her M.S. in electrical engineering and her Ph.D. in aeronautics and astronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
- How many times did Janice Elaine Voss fly into space?
- Janice Elaine Voss flew into space five times, a record she jointly held among American women astronauts.
- What were some of Janice Elaine Voss's notable space missions?
- Her missions included STS-57, STS-63 (the first Space Shuttle-Mir rendezvous), STS-83 and STS-94 (the Microgravity Science Laboratory missions), and STS-99 (the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission).
- What was the cause of Janice Elaine Voss's death?
- She passed away from breast cancer in Arizona on February 6, 2012.
- Has Janice Elaine Voss received any posthumous honors?
- Yes, Northrop Grumman's Cygnus NG-15 resupply spacecraft, launched in 2021, was named the S.S. Janice Voss in her honor.