Rick Mastracchio
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| Rick Mastracchio | |
|---|---|
| Name | Rick Mastracchio |
| Caption | Mastracchio in NASA attire |
| Type | NASA Astronaut |
| Nationality | American |
| Status | Retired |
| Birth date | 11 February 1960 |
| Birth place | Waterbury, Connecticut, U.S. |
| Alma mater | University of Connecticut (BS), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (MS), University of Houston–Clear Lake (MS) |
| Occupation | Engineer |
| Selection | 1996 NASA Group |
| Time | 53d 10h 25m |
| Mission | STS-106, STS-118, STS-131, Soyuz TMA-11M (Expedition 38/Expedition 39) |
| Insignia | 50px 50px 50px 50px |
| Retirement | July 2017 |
Rick Mastracchio is an American engineer and former NASA astronaut. A veteran of four spaceflights, he has logged over 53 days in space, including significant work on the International Space Station. His career at NASA spanned over two decades, involving roles in mission control and multiple spacewalks.
Early life and education
Born in Waterbury, Connecticut, Mastracchio developed an early interest in science and engineering. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Connecticut. He furthered his education with a Master of Science in electrical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a second master's degree in physical sciences from the University of Houston–Clear Lake. Prior to joining NASA, he worked as an engineer for Hamilton Standard and Rockwell Shuttle Operations Company.
NASA career
Selected as a mission specialist as part of NASA Astronaut Group 16 in 1996, Mastracchio initially served in technical roles within the Astronaut Office. He supported numerous Space Shuttle missions from the ground, working in Mission Control Center in Houston as a spacecraft communicator, or CAPCOM. His expertise in robotics and systems engineering was integral to planning operations for the International Space Station. He also served as the lead for Space Station crew systems and later as the deputy chief of the Astronaut Office.
Spaceflights and missions
Mastracchio's first flight was aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-106 in 2000, which prepared the International Space Station for its first permanent crew. His second mission was STS-118 on Space Shuttle Endeavour in 2007, which delivered the S5 truss segment. His third flight was on STS-131, a 2010 mission of Space Shuttle Discovery that carried the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module. His final spaceflight was aboard Soyuz TMA-11M, launching in 2013 for a long-duration stay as a flight engineer for Expedition 38 and Expedition 39. During his missions, he performed nine spacewalks, totaling over 53 hours of extravehicular activity, to conduct critical assembly and maintenance on the International Space Station.
Post-NASA career and legacy
After retiring from NASA in 2017, Mastracchio joined the aerospace sector, taking a senior role at Northrop Grumman. In this position, he contributed to the development of the Cygnus (spacecraft) program, an uncrewed resupply vehicle for the International Space Station. His legacy includes significant contributions to the assembly and operation of the orbital laboratory, mentoring new generations of engineers, and advancing commercial spaceflight initiatives. He has been recognized with awards including the NASA Distinguished Service Medal.
Personal life
Mastracchio is married and has children. An avid runner, he has completed multiple marathons, including the Boston Marathon. He remains active in promoting STEM education, frequently giving talks about his experiences in spaceflight and engineering. He is also a private pilot.