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Mark Edward KellyAmerican astronaut
Date of Birth: 21.02.1964
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Mark Kelly: American Astronaut and Navy Veteran
- Military Career
- Astronaut Selection and Training
- Space Shuttle Missions
Mark Kelly: American Astronaut and Navy Veteran
Early Life and EducationMark Kelly, born in 1964, is an American astronaut and former Navy pilot. He has an identical twin brother, Scott Kelly, who is also an astronaut. Mark Kelly graduated from West Orange High School in 1982.
In 1986, Kelly earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Engineering and Shipyard Management from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York. He later obtained a Master's degree from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in 1994.
Military Career
After completing flight training on the A-6 Intruder attack jet in 1987, Kelly became a Navy pilot. He served on the aircraft carrier USS Midway in Japan. In 1989, the Midway was deployed to the Persian Gulf to protect oil tankers. In 1991, during Operation Desert Storm, Kelly flew 39 combat missions.
Astronaut Selection and Training
In May 1996, both Mark and Scott Kelly were selected for NASA's astronaut training program. Mark completed the two-year program in August 1996 and became a Space Shuttle pilot in 1998.
Space Shuttle Missions
Kelly has flown on four Space Shuttle missions:STS-108 (2001): Pilot
STS-121 (2006): Pilot
STS-124 (2008): Commander
STS-134 (2011): Commander
In total, he has spent 54 days, 1 hour, and 2 minutes in space.
Personal Life
Kelly married U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords in 2007. She was the victim of a terrorist attack in 2011. Kelly has two children from a previous marriage.
