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Mark Lewis PolanskyNASA astronaut
Date of Birth: 02.06.1956
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Biography of Mark Lewis Polanski
- Education
- Service
- Space Activities
- Space Missions
- Awards
- Personal Life and Interests
Biography of Mark Lewis Polanski
Mark Lewis Polanski is an active NASA astronaut born on June 2, 1956, in Paterson, New Jersey, USA.
Education
In 1974, Polanski graduated from John P. Stevens High School in Edison, New Jersey. Later, in 1978, he obtained a bachelor's degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Purdue University.
Service
Since 1978, Polanski has been serving in the United States Air Force (USAF). In January 1980, he completed a flight training course at Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma. From 1980 to 1983, he served at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia, flying F-15 fighter jets. He continued his service at various locations, including Clark Air Base in the Philippines, Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, and Edwards Air Force Base, where he received training at the Test Pilot School. From 1986, he served at Eglin Air Force Base. Throughout his career, Polanski has accumulated over 5000 flight hours on 30 different aircraft.
Space Activities
In April 1996, Polanski was selected as a NASA astronaut candidate. From August 1996 to August 1998, he underwent general astronaut training at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Space Missions
Polanski's first spaceflight took place from February 7 to 18, 2001, as the pilot of the space shuttle Atlantis on the STS-98 mission. The mission lasted 12 days, 21 hours, 20 minutes, and 3 seconds and focused on the construction of the International Space Station.
Awards
Polanski has received medals from the United States Air Force and Navy, as well as the NASA Space Flight Medal in 2001. He is a member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
Personal Life and Interests
Polanski is divorced and does not have any children. His hobbies include ice hockey, music, and piloting aircraft.
