Samuel T. Durrance

Samuel T. Durrance is an American astronomer and former NASA Payload Specialist who flew on two Space Shuttle missions. His work focused on ultraviolet astronomy and the operation of sophisticated orbital observatories. Durrance's flights were dedicated to the Astro observatory program, significantly advancing the field of space astronomy.

Early life and education

Samuel Thornton Durrance was born on September 17, 1943, in Tallahassee, Florida. He pursued his undergraduate studies in physics at the University of Florida, earning a Bachelor of Science degree. Durrance then continued his academic career at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he received a Master of Science and later a Doctor of Philosophy in astrophysics. His doctoral research concentrated on the development of spectroscopic instruments for astronomical observation, laying the groundwork for his future work with NASA.

NASA career

In 1984, Durrance was selected by NASA as a Payload Specialist candidate within Group 13, often called "The Maggots." His selection was based on his expertise in astronomy and instrument design, specifically for the Astro series of Spacelab missions. He trained at the Johnson Space Center alongside Mission Specialist astronauts and other scientist-astronauts. Durrance's primary role was to operate complex astronomical telescopes from the Space Shuttle's payload bay, requiring extensive coordination with ground-based scientists at the Space Telescope Science Institute and other research centers.

Spaceflights

Durrance served as a Payload Specialist on two Space Shuttle missions, both dedicated to the Astro observatory. * STS-35 (December 2–10, 1990): This mission aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia carried the Astro-1 observatory. Durrance and his crewmates, including Mission Specialist Vance D. Brand and fellow astronomer Ronald A. Parise, conducted nearly continuous observations of celestial objects in ultraviolet light and X-ray wavelengths. Despite some technical challenges with the pointing system, the mission collected valuable data on targets like supernova remnants and quasars. * STS-67 (March 2–18, 1995): Flying again on Space Shuttle Endeavour, this mission featured the enhanced Astro-2 observatory. The longer-duration flight set a new endurance record for the Space Shuttle program at the time. Durrance helped operate three ultraviolet telescopes, including the Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope, contributing to seminal studies of the interstellar medium and the atmospheric composition of other planets in the Solar System.

Post-NASA career and later life

After leaving NASA, Durrance continued his work in space science and academia. He held a professorship in the Department of Physics at the Johns Hopkins University and later served as the Executive Director of the Florida Space Research Institute. Durrance also contributed to the development of new space telescope concepts and educational programs aimed at promoting STEM education. He has been involved with organizations like the Planetary Society and has served on advisory committees for institutions such as the Space Telescope Science Institute.

Awards and honors

Throughout his career, Durrance has received recognition for his contributions to space exploration and astronomy. His honors include the NASA Space Flight Medal, which he received for both of his shuttle missions. He was also awarded the American Astronomical Society's Lancelot M. Berkeley Award for his work on the Astro missions. Furthermore, Durrance has been recognized by the University of Colorado Boulder and the University of Florida as a distinguished alumnus for his achievements in astrophysics and as a NASA astronaut.

Category:American astronauts Category:American astronomers Category:University of Florida alumni Category:University of Colorado Boulder alumni Category:NASA astronauts Category:1943 births Category:Living people Category:Payload Specialists