Richard Mastracchio, American engineer and astronaut

Richard Alan "Rick" Mastracchio, born on February 11, 1960, is a distinguished American engineer and former NASA astronaut whose career spans significant contributions to human spaceflight. His extensive experience includes multiple Space Shuttle missions and a long-duration stay aboard the International Space Station, showcasing his versatility and dedication to space exploration.

Engineering Excellence and NASA Astronaut Selection

Before his illustrious career as an astronaut, Rick Mastracchio established himself as a highly skilled engineer. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Connecticut in 1982, followed by a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1987. His engineering expertise laid a strong foundation for his work at NASA, where he initially joined the agency in 1990 at the Johnson Space Center. Mastracchio was selected as an astronaut candidate by NASA in April 1996, becoming part of the Astronaut Group 16. After completing two years of rigorous training and evaluation, he qualified for flight assignment as a mission specialist, a role that would see him perform critical tasks on complex space missions.

Pioneering Space Shuttle Missions as a Mission Specialist

As a mission specialist, Rick Mastracchio played a crucial role in three separate NASA Space Shuttle missions, each contributing significantly to the assembly and maintenance of the International Space Station (ISS).

• STS-106 (September 8-20, 2000): This marked Mastracchio's first journey into space aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis. The primary objective of this 12-day mission was to prepare the ISS for the arrival of its first permanent crew, Expedition 1. As a mission specialist, Mastracchio was integral to cargo transfer operations, moving over 6,600 pounds of supplies and equipment between Atlantis and the nascent space station. This mission was critical in outfitting the Zvezda Service Module, ensuring the ISS was habitable and functional for long-duration stays.
• STS-118 (August 8-21, 2007): Aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour, Mastracchio served on this 13-day mission, which focused on the continued construction of the ISS. A key achievement of STS-118 was the delivery and installation of the S5 Truss segment, a vital component of the station's integrated truss structure that supports solar arrays and radiators. During this mission, Mastracchio performed three challenging spacewalks (Extravehicular Activities or EVAs), accumulating a total of 19 hours and 48 minutes outside the station to aid in the assembly and maintenance tasks.
• STS-131 (April 5-20, 2010): Mastracchio's third and final Space Shuttle flight was aboard Discovery, a 15-day logistics and resupply mission to the ISS. This complex mission involved delivering over 15,000 pounds of equipment and supplies, including a new sleeping compartment, scientific racks, and a new ammonia tank assembly. As a mission specialist, he again performed three spacewalks, adding another 19 hours and 26 minutes to his total EVA time. These spacewalks brought his career total to six EVAs, with an impressive cumulative time of 39 hours and 14 minutes from his Space Shuttle missions alone.

Long-Duration Expedition on the International Space Station

Beyond his shuttle missions, Rick Mastracchio further distinguished himself by undertaking a long-duration mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as a Flight Engineer for Expeditions 38 and 39.

• Soyuz TMA-11M Launch (November 7, 2013): Mastracchio launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan aboard the Russian Soyuz TMA-11M spacecraft, alongside Russian cosmonaut Mikhail Tyurin and Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata. This mission marked the first time the Olympic torch traveled to space, an iconic moment that symbolized global unity and scientific achievement.
• Life as a Flight Engineer: As a Flight Engineer, Mastracchio was responsible for operating and maintaining the ISS systems, conducting scientific experiments across various disciplines (biology, physical science, Earth observation), and overseeing the arrival and departure of resupply vehicles. His stay on the ISS lasted for 188 days, during which he circled the Earth approximately 3,000 times, conducting vital research and maintenance.
• Emergency Spacewalk: During Expedition 38, Mastracchio performed two unplanned spacewalks in December 2013 to replace a faulty ammonia pump module for the station's cooling system. This critical repair, executed under challenging conditions, ensured the continued safe operation of the ISS, underscoring his expertise and ability to perform under pressure. He completed a total of three spacewalks during his ISS expedition, bringing his overall career total to nine EVAs and a cumulative time of 53 hours and 4 minutes.
• Return to Earth (May 14, 2014): Mastracchio returned to Earth aboard the Soyuz TMA-11M, landing safely in Kazakhstan, concluding a remarkable long-duration mission that significantly advanced scientific research and maintained the operational integrity of the orbital outpost. In total, he spent over 228 days in space across his career.

Post-NASA Career: Contributing to Commercial Spaceflight at Northrop Grumman

Following his exemplary service with NASA, Rick Mastracchio transitioned his vast experience in space operations to the commercial sector, where he continues to contribute to the advancement of space exploration.

He joined Orbital ATK, a prominent aerospace manufacturer and defense industry company, which was later acquired by Northrop Grumman. In his current role as Senior Director of Operations for Commercial Resupply Services at Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems (formerly Orbital ATK), Mastracchio plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of vital cargo to the International Space Station. Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) contracts, awarded by NASA to private companies like Northrop Grumman, utilize uncrewed cargo spacecraft (such as the Cygnus spacecraft) to transport scientific experiments, crew supplies, spare parts, and other essential equipment to the ISS, enabling continuous human presence in low Earth orbit. His expertise from years of direct spaceflight operations is invaluable in optimizing mission planning, risk assessment, and operational execution for these critical commercial missions.

Legacy and Impact

Rick Mastracchio's career exemplifies the dedication, skill, and courage required for human spaceflight. From intricate Space Shuttle assembly missions to extended stays on the International Space Station and now contributing to commercial resupply efforts, his journey underscores a lifelong commitment to advancing humanity's reach into space. His nine spacewalks and over 228 days spent in space mark him as one of NASA's most experienced astronauts, leaving a lasting legacy in the history of space exploration and inspiring future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rick Mastracchio

When was Rick Mastracchio born?

Richard Alan "Rick" Mastracchio was born on February 11, 1960.

What is Rick Mastracchio's educational background?

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Connecticut and a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

How many Space Shuttle missions did Rick Mastracchio fly?

He flew on three NASA Space Shuttle missions as a mission specialist: STS-106, STS-118, and STS-131.

What was his role on the International Space Station?

Rick Mastracchio served as a Flight Engineer for a long-duration mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of Expeditions 38 and 39.

How many spacewalks (EVAs) did Rick Mastracchio perform?

He performed a total of nine spacewalks (Extravehicular Activities) during his career, accumulating over 53 hours outside the spacecraft.

What is Rick Mastracchio's current role?

He is currently the Senior Director of Operations for Commercial Resupply Services at Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems (formerly Orbital ATK).

What are Commercial Resupply Services?

Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) are NASA contracts with private companies to deliver cargo, supplies, and scientific experiments to the International Space Station using uncrewed spacecraft like the Cygnus.