Donald A. Thomas

Donald A. Thomas. Donald Alan Thomas is an American materials scientist and former NASA astronaut. Selected as part of NASA Astronaut Group 13 in 1990, he flew on four Space Shuttle missions in the 1990s, logging over 43 days in space. His career at NASA was primarily focused on scientific research aboard the International Microgravity Laboratory and the Spacelab module.

Early life and education

Donald Alan Thomas was born on May 6, 1955, in Cleveland, Ohio. He attended Case Western Reserve University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physics in 1977. He continued his graduate studies at Cornell University, receiving a Master of Science and later a Doctor of Philosophy in materials science in 1980 and 1982, respectively. His doctoral research contributed to the field of condensed matter physics.

NASA career

Selected by NASA in January 1990 as a mission specialist candidate, Thomas became part of the group known as The Hairballs. He completed his initial astronaut training at the Johnson Space Center and was assigned to technical duties within the Astronaut Office. His early technical assignments included supporting Space Shuttle operations at the Kennedy Space Center and working on the development of payloads for the Spacelab program. He also served as a spacecraft communicator, or CAPCOM, in Mission Control Center during several shuttle missions.

Spaceflight experience

Thomas first flew into space as a mission specialist on STS-65 aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia in July 1994. This flight carried the second International Microgravity Laboratory, a Spacelab module dedicated to materials and life sciences research. His second mission was STS-70 on Space Shuttle Discovery in July 1995, which deployed a Tracking and Data Relay Satellite. Thomas served as a mission specialist on STS-83 aboard Space Shuttle Columbia in April 1997, a flight cut short due to a problem with a fuel cell. He subsequently flew on the re-flight of that mission, STS-94, in July 1997, which successfully completed the Microgravity Science Laboratory research objectives.

Post-NASA career and awards

After leaving NASA in July 2007, Thomas joined the private sector, working for several aerospace and technology companies. He has been recognized with numerous awards, including the NASA Space Flight Medal (four times), the NASA Exceptional Service Medal, and the NASA Distinguished Service Medal. He has also been active in public speaking and educational outreach, promoting careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Personal life

Thomas is married and has two children. His personal interests include cycling, running, and photography. He has been involved with organizations such as the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the Materials Research Society.

Category:American astronauts Category:NASA astronauts Category:1955 births Category:Living people Category:People from Cleveland Category:Case Western Reserve University alumni Category:Cornell University alumni