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Tracy Caldwell-DysonAmerican female astronaut
Date of Birth: 14.08.1969
Country:  USA |
Content:
Tracy Caldwell Dyson
Education and CareerBorn in Beaumont, California, Tracy Caldwell Dyson attended Beaumont High School, graduating in 1987. She pursued higher education at California State University, Fullerton, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in 1993. Caldwell Dyson continued her studies at the University of California, Davis, earning a Doctorate in Chemistry in 1997.
While at Fullerton, Caldwell Dyson designed various equipment and electronics for atmospheric chemistry instruments. After completing her doctorate, she joined the University of California, Irvine, where she conducted research in atmospheric chemistry.
NASA Career
Caldwell Dyson was selected as an astronaut candidate for NASA's 17th astronaut class on June 4, 1998. She completed the basic astronaut training program and qualified as a mission specialist in August 1999, being assigned to the NASA Astronaut Office.
In 2000, Caldwell Dyson served as a backup astronaut for the Expedition 5 crew to the International Space Station (ISS). She also worked as a flight controller for the ISS crews during Expeditions 4, 5, and 6. She transferred to the Space Shuttle Operations Branch in 2003.
On May 17, 2006, Caldwell Dyson was assigned to the STS-118 mission as a mission specialist (MS1).
Spaceflights
Caldwell Dyson completed her first spaceflight aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-118 from August 8 to 19, 2007. She became the 458th person and 290th American to fly in space. The mission lasted for 12 days, 17 hours, 55 minutes, and 34 seconds.
On November 21, 2008, Caldwell Dyson was assigned to the prime crew for Expedition 23 to the ISS. She launched to the ISS aboard the Soyuz TMA-18 spacecraft on April 2, 2010. She served as a member of Expedition 23 and 24. On September 25, 2010, Caldwell Dyson returned to Earth with her fellow crewmates aboard Soyuz TMA-18.
Awards and Recognition
NASA Space Flight Medal (2007, 2010)NASA Distinguished Service Medal (2010)
Medal for Merit in Space Exploration (Russia, 2011)
Personal Life
Dr. Tracy Caldwell Dyson has a passion for music and is the lead vocalist for the rock band Max Q.
