Ronald J. Garan Jr.

Ronald J. Garan Jr. is a retired NASA astronaut, United States Air Force colonel, and social entrepreneur. Selected as a mission specialist in 2000, he has logged over 177 days in space across two missions, including a long-duration stay aboard the International Space Station. Following his NASA career, Garan has become a prominent advocate for collaborative solutions to global challenges, founding the humanitarian organization Manna Energy Foundation and authoring the book *The Orbital Perspective*.

Early life and education

Ronald John Garan Jr. was born on October 30, 1961, in Yonkers, New York. He graduated from State University of New York at Oneonta in 1982, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in business economics. He subsequently received a Master of Aeronautical Science degree from Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University and a Master of Science degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Florida. His military aviation training was conducted at Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi.

NASA career

Selected by NASA in July 2000 as part of NASA Astronaut Group 18, Garan completed two years of training and evaluation, qualifying for flight assignments as a mission specialist. He served in various technical roles within the Astronaut Office, including supporting Space Shuttle launches at the Kennedy Space Center as a spacecraft communicator (CAPCOM) in Mission Control. His expertise in robotics and space station systems was integral to his flight assignments. He also trained extensively at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia for his Soyuz flight.

Spaceflight experience

Garan's first spaceflight was as a mission specialist on STS-124 aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery in May and June 2008. The primary objective of this mission was to deliver and install the Japanese Kibō laboratory module to the International Space Station. Garan performed three spacewalks totaling 20 hours and 32 minutes during the flight, assisting with the module's installation and conducting maintenance.

His second mission was a long-duration expedition, launching from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in April 2011 aboard Soyuz TMA-21. He served as a flight engineer for Expedition 27 and Expedition 28 aboard the International Space Station. During his 164-day stay, he conducted numerous scientific experiments, operated the station's robotic arm, the Canadarm2, and participated in educational outreach events. He returned to Earth in September 2011, landing in Kazakhstan.

Post-NASA activities

After retiring from NASA in June 2013, Garan co-founded the Manna Energy Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on providing clean water and sustainable energy solutions in developing countries. He is a sought-after speaker on leadership, innovation, and global collaboration, drawing from his spaceflight experience to promote what he terms the "orbital perspective." He authored the book *The Orbital Perspective: Lessons in Seeing the Big Picture from a Journey of 71 Million Miles* and is a co-founder of the social enterprise Fragile Oasis. He has also worked with organizations like the United Nations and the World Bank on humanitarian and development projects.

Personal life

Garan is married and has children. An avid pilot, he has logged over 5,000 hours in more than 30 different aircraft, including the F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-15 Eagle, and T-38 Talon. His awards and decorations include the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, the NASA Space Flight Medal, and the Air Medal. He remains active in the aviation and technology communities, serving on advisory boards for several educational and entrepreneurial initiatives focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Category:American astronauts Category:NASA astronauts Category:United States Air Force officers Category:People from Yonkers, New York Category:1961 births Category:Living people