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Kevin KregelAstronaut
Date of Birth: 16.09.1956
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Military Service
- NASA Career
- Space Mission Highlights
- - STS-78 (1996): Pilot on the Columbia mission to study microgravity.
- Awards and Honors
- - NASA Space Flight Medals (1995, 1996, 1997, 2000)
Early Life and Education
Born on September 16, 1956, in Amityville, New York, this astronaut embarked on a remarkable journey from a young age. In 1974, he graduated from Amityville High School and went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in Astronautical Engineering from the United States Air Force Academy in 1978. In 1988, he completed a Master's degree in Industrial Management from Troy University.
Military Service
His military career began in 1980 as an F-111 Fighter-Bomber pilot at Lakenheath Air Force Base. From 1984 to 1985, he served as a pilot on the aircraft carrier "Kitty Hawk" through an exchange program with the U.S. Navy. During his time in the Navy, he accumulated 66 carrier landings and takeoffs in the Pacific Ocean. He also trained as a test pilot at the U.S. Navy Test Pilot School in Patuxent River, Maryland, from 1986 to 1987. With over 5000 flight hours logged on 30 types of aircraft, his military service laid the foundation for his future as an astronaut.
NASA Career
In 1992, he was selected as a NASA astronaut candidate and underwent two years of training at the Johnson Space Center. He has completed four successful space missions, accumulating a total of 52 days, 18 hours, 22 minutes, and 27 seconds in space.
Space Mission Highlights
- STS-70 (1995): Pilot on the Discovery mission to conduct experiments in the Spacehab module and deploy a TDRS satellite.
- STS-78 (1996): Pilot on the Columbia mission to study microgravity.
- STS-87 (1997): Commander on the Columbia mission for further microgravity research.
- STS-99 (2000): Commander on the Endeavour mission to conduct topographic mapping of Earth's surface.
Awards and Honors
His contributions to space exploration have been recognized with numerous awards, including:
- NASA Space Flight Medals (1995, 1996, 1997, 2000)
- NASA Exceptional Service Medal- Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross
- Air Force Meritorious Service Medal
- Air Force Commendation Medal
- Air Force Achievement Medal
- Defense Superior Service Medal
Personal Life
Married to the former Jeanne F. Kammer, he is a proud father of four children.
