Rick Husband, American colonel, pilot, and astronaut (b. 1957)

Colonel Richard Douglas Husband (July 12, 1957 – February 1, 2003) was a distinguished American astronaut and a highly accomplished United States Air Force (USAF) fighter pilot. Renowned for his unwavering dedication to space exploration and national service, Husband embarked on two pivotal missions, showcasing his exceptional skills as both a pilot and a mission commander. His career, tragically cut short, culminated in the ultimate sacrifice during the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster.

A Distinguished Military Foundation

Born in Amarillo, Texas, Richard Douglas Husband pursued his passion for engineering, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Texas Tech University in 1980. Following his graduation, he was commissioned into the United States Air Force, where he quickly distinguished himself as an exceptional aviator. He completed undergraduate pilot training at Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma, in 1981, and went on to fly various advanced fighter aircraft, including the F-4 Phantom II and the F-15 Eagle. His extensive experience as a test pilot further honed his expertise in complex aircraft systems, making him an ideal candidate for the demanding role of an astronaut. By the time of his selection for NASA's astronaut corps, he had accumulated over 3,800 hours of flight time in more than 40 different types of aircraft, achieving the rank of Colonel in the USAF.

A Career in Space Exploration: Two Missions

Colonel Husband's journey as a NASA astronaut officially began in December 1994, when he was selected as part of Astronaut Group 15. He dedicated himself to rigorous training, preparing for the unique challenges of spaceflight. His career would see him contribute significantly to human space exploration across two distinct missions:

• Pilot of STS-96 (Space Shuttle Discovery): From May 27 to June 6, 1999, Richard Husband served as the pilot for STS-96, the Space Shuttle Discovery's mission to the International Space Station (ISS). This was a crucial logistics and resupply mission, marking the first time a Space Shuttle docked with the nascent ISS. The crew delivered over 4,000 pounds of supplies and equipment, including a Russian-built cargo crane (STRELA) and U.S.-built hardware, vital for the station's construction and future operations. This mission lasted 9 days, 19 hours, and 13 minutes, orbiting the Earth 153 times and traveling over 4 million miles.
• Commander of STS-107 (Space Shuttle Columbia): Husband's second and final spaceflight was as the commander of STS-107, aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia. Launched on January 16, 2003, this ambitious mission was dedicated to scientific research, conducting over 80 experiments in microgravity and Earth science. The crew utilized the advanced SPACEHAB Research Double Module to perform a wide array of studies, ranging from physical and life sciences to advanced technology development. This mission was designed to be a dedicated research flight, maximizing the scientific output during its time in orbit.

The Tragic End of STS-107 and a Lasting Legacy

On February 1, 2003, after 15 days, 22 hours, and 20 minutes in orbit, the Space Shuttle Columbia, commanded by Colonel Richard Husband, disintegrated during its reentry into the Earth's atmosphere over Texas and Louisiana. This catastrophic event, which occurred just 16 minutes before its scheduled landing at Kennedy Space Center, tragically claimed the lives of all seven crew members aboard. The Columbia Accident Investigation Board later determined that the disaster was caused by damage to the Space Shuttle's left wing, sustained during launch, when a piece of insulating foam broke off the external tank and struck the wing's leading edge. This breach allowed superheated atmospheric gases to enter the wing structure during reentry, leading to its catastrophic failure. The loss of STS-107 marked a profound moment in space history, highlighting the inherent risks of human spaceflight.

Posthumous Recognition: Congressional Space Medal of Honor

In recognition of his extraordinary bravery, dedicated service, and ultimate sacrifice, Colonel Richard Douglas Husband was posthumously awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor. This prestigious award, bestowed by the President of the United States on behalf of Congress, is the highest civilian award for an astronaut who has distinguished himself or herself by exceptionally meritorious efforts and contributions to the welfare of the nation and mankind, in the course of space flight, and whose life has been lost in the line of duty. It serves as a lasting tribute to his profound contributions to space exploration and his unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of human endeavor.

Frequently Asked Questions about Colonel Richard Douglas Husband

When was Richard Douglas Husband born and when did he pass away?

Colonel Richard Douglas Husband was born on July 12, 1957, and tragically passed away on February 1, 2003, during the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster.

What was Colonel Husband's military background?

He was a highly decorated Colonel in the United States Air Force (USAF) and an accomplished fighter pilot. He flew various advanced aircraft, including the F-4 Phantom II and F-15 Eagle, and served as a test pilot before becoming an astronaut.

How many times did Richard Husband travel into space?

Colonel Husband traveled into space twice during his distinguished career with NASA.

What were his space missions?

His first mission was as the Pilot of STS-96 aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery in 1999, which involved the first docking with the International Space Station (ISS). His second and final mission was as the Commander of STS-107 aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia in 2003, a dedicated research mission.

What happened to STS-107?

The Space Shuttle Columbia, under Colonel Husband's command, disintegrated during reentry into Earth's atmosphere on February 1, 2003. This catastrophic event, caused by damage to the Shuttle's wing sustained during launch, resulted in the loss of all seven crew members.

What significant award did he receive?

Colonel Richard Douglas Husband was posthumously awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor, the highest civilian award for an astronaut, recognizing his exceptional service and sacrifice.