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Frank Lee Culbertson Jr.American NASA astronaut and researcher
Date of Birth: 15.05.1949
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Frank Lee Culbertson Jr.: A Distinguished NASA Astronaut
- Naval Service and Pilot Training
- NASA Astronaut Career
- Spaceflights
- Spacewalks and ISS Mission
- Retirement
- Honors and Awards
- NASA Space Flight Medal (3)
Frank Lee Culbertson Jr.: A Distinguished NASA Astronaut
Early Life and EducationFrank Lee Culbertson Jr. was born on May 15, 1949, in Charleston, South Carolina. Growing up in Holly Hill, he graduated from high school in 1967. In 1971, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis.
Naval Service and Pilot Training
After graduating, Culbertson joined the U.S. Navy. He completed flight training in Pensacola, Florida, and served as a naval aviator from 1973 onward. His assignments included pilot service on the missile cruiser USS Fox (CG-33) in the Gulf of Tonkin, the 121st Fighter Squadron (VF-121) based in Miramar, California, and the 151st Fighter Squadron (VF-151) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Midway.
NASA Astronaut Career
In May 1984, Culbertson was selected as a NASA astronaut candidate. He completed basic training and was assigned to the Astronaut Office. Over the years, he held various roles, including serving in the Shuttle Launch Support Group, participating in the investigation of the Challenger disaster (STS-51L), and leading the Shuttle Avionics Integration Laboratory (SAIL).
Spaceflights
Culbertson made three spaceflights throughout his career:1. STS-38 (November 1990): Served as pilot on the Space Shuttle Atlantis.
2. STS-51 (September 1993): Commanded the crew of the Space Shuttle Discovery.
3. ISS Expedition 3 (August - December 2001): Served as commander of the third crew to reside on the International Space Station (ISS).
Spacewalks and ISS Mission
During his third spaceflight, Culbertson conducted one spacewalk on November 12, 2001. Together with Russian cosmonaut Vladimir Dezhurov, he connected Kurs antennas to the ISS docking module and tested the Russian Space Station Service Module (GStM-1).
Retirement
Culbertson retired from NASA in August 2002, leaving behind a legacy of 143 days, 14 hours, 53 minutes, and 21 seconds in space.
Honors and Awards
Frank Culbertson has received numerous honors and awards for his contributions to space exploration, including:
NASA Space Flight Medal (3)
NASA Distinguished Service MedalNaval Distinguished Flying Cross
American Astronautical Society Robert H. Goddard Memorial Trophy
