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Robert BehnkenAstronaut
Date of Birth: 28.07.1970
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Robert Shane Kimbrough
- Early Life and Education
- Professional Experience
- Military Service
- Rank and NASA Selection
- Space Missions
- Awards and Honors
- Air Force Achievement Medal (1997)
- Personal Life
Robert Shane Kimbrough
Robert Shane Kimbrough is an American NASA astronaut and a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force. As of 2009, he was a NASA astronaut and Lieutenant Colonel. Kimbrough has participated in two Space Shuttle missions: STS-123 and STS-130.
Early Life and Education
Born on July 28, 1970, in Creve Coeur, Missouri, Kimbrough considers St. Ann, Missouri, his hometown. He completed his high school education at Pattonville High School in Maryland Heights, Missouri, in 1988. In 1992, he earned a Bachelor of Science in both Physics and Mechanical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis. Kimbrough went on to receive a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the California Institute of Technology in 1993 and a Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering from the same institution in 1997.
Professional Experience
Kimbrough's doctoral research focused on nonlinear controllers. His dissertation explored the use of nonlinear controllers to stabilize the rotating speed of compressor engines with asymmetric flow. The work involved designing software and hardware. While pursuing his graduate studies, he also developed and implemented software and hardware for the control and management of robotic manipulators.
Military Service
Kimbrough underwent training through the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) at Washington University in St. Louis. From 1997, he served at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida as a technical director and engineer developing new ordnance systems.
In 1998, Kimbrough graduated from the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base in California as an experimental test pilot. After graduating, he continued his service at Edwards Air Force Base, where he was involved in integrated testing of the F-22 multirole fighter. He was appointed F-22 Raptor 4004 System Flight Test Engineer. His responsibilities included planning flight tests, conducting experimental flight testing, and developing requirements for flight test instrumentation. He also flew F-15 and F-16 aircraft in support of the F-22 flight test program.
Rank and NASA Selection
In 2000, Kimbrough was promoted to the rank of Captain in the U.S. Air Force, followed by Major in 2006 and Lieutenant Colonel in 2009.
Kimbrough was selected as a candidate for astronaut training in 2000 as part of NASA's 18th astronaut group, where he became a Mission Specialist. After completing basic astronaut training, Kimbrough was assigned to the Astronaut Office Station Operations Branch.
Space Missions
In 2007, Kimbrough was officially assigned as a Mission Specialist to the STS-123 Endeavour shuttle crew, scheduled for December 2007. The mission aimed to deliver the Japanese Kibo module to the International Space Station.
Kimbrough flew on the STS-123 mission from March 11-27, 2008, serving as Mission Specialist-1. He conducted three spacewalks, with durations of 6 hours 54 minutes, 6 hours 24 minutes, and 6 hours 2 minutes. The mission lasted for 15 days, 18 hours, 10 minutes, and 52 seconds.
In 2010, Kimbrough participated in the STS-130 Endeavour mission, again as a Mission Specialist. He completed three spacewalks with durations of 6 hours 32 minutes, 5 hours 54 minutes, and 5 hours 48 minutes. The STS-130 mission spanned 13 days, 18 hours, 6 minutes, and 22 seconds.
Awards and Honors
Throughout his career, Kimbrough has received numerous awards and honors, including:
Air Force Achievement Medal (1997)
USAF Commendation Medal (1998)USAF Commendation Medal (2000)
Colonel Ray Jones USAF Test Pilot School Outstanding Flight Test Graduate Award (Class '98B')
Personal Life
Kimbrough is married to NASA astronaut Katherine Megan McArthur. His hobbies include rock climbing, hiking, and skiing.
