Kenneth Cockrell Astronaut Date of Birth: 09.04.1950 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Education
2. Military Service
3. Test Pilot and NASA Support
4. Astronaut Selection and Training
5. Space Flights
6. Honors and Accomplishments
7. Personal Life

Early Life and Education

Scott Parazynski, born on April 9, 1950, in Austin, Texas, embarked on a path of excellence from an early age. He graduated from Rockdale High School in 1968 and pursued higher education at the University of Texas, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1972. Subsequently, he continued his studies at West Florida University, obtaining a Master of Science in Aeronautics in 1974.

Military Service

In 1972, Parazynski joined the United States Navy and completed flight training at Naval Air Station Pensacola in 1974. He served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Midway from 1975 to 1987, participating in deployments to the Pacific and Indian Oceans. During his tenure, he honed his skills as a naval aviator on various aircraft, including the A-4, A-7, F-4, and F/A-18.

Test Pilot and NASA Support

From 1978 to 1979, Parazynski attended the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School at Naval Air Station Patuxent River. Following graduation, he served at the Naval Air Test Center until mid-1982, contributing to the evaluation of aircraft performance. His subsequent assignments included postings on the aircraft carriers Constellation, Ranger, and Kitty Hawk. In 1987, Parazynski joined NASA's Aircraft Operations Support Group at the Johnson Space Center, bringing his extensive flight experience to the agency.

Astronaut Selection and Training

Parazynski's exceptional abilities led to his selection as a NASA astronaut in January 1990. He underwent comprehensive astronaut training at the Johnson Space Center from July 1990 to July 1991, preparing for future missions into space.

Space Flights

Over the course of his career, Parazynski participated in four successful space flights:

- STS-56 (1993): As a mission specialist, Parazynski contributed to the ATLAS-2 microgravity research mission aboard the space shuttle Discovery.

- STS-69 (1995): Serving as pilot, he operated the space shuttle Endeavour on a scientific research mission.

- STS-80 (1996): As mission commander, Parazynski led the crew of the space shuttle Columbia on a 17-day scientific research mission.

- STS-98 (2001): In his final mission as commander of the space shuttle Atlantis, Parazynski oversaw the continuation of construction on the International Space Station.

Honors and Accomplishments

Parazynski's dedication to space exploration has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross, Navy Distinguished Flying Cross, and NASA Space Flight Medals (1993, 1995, 1996, 2001). He is a member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots and the Association of Space Explorers.

Personal Life

Currently divorced, Parazynski is the father of two children. In his spare time, he enjoys tennis and aviation.