Terrence T. Henricks
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| Terrence T. Henricks | |
|---|---|
| Name | Terrence T. Henricks |
| Type | NASA Astronaut |
| Nationality | American |
| Status | Retired |
| Birth date | 05 July 1952 |
| Birth place | Bryan, Ohio, U.S. |
| Occupation | Test pilot, United States Air Force officer |
| Rank | Colonel, USAF |
| Selection | 1985 NASA Group |
| Time | 42d 18h 56m |
| Mission | STS-44, STS-55, STS-70, STS-78 |
Terrence T. Henricks is a retired United States Air Force officer, test pilot, and NASA astronaut. A veteran of four Space Shuttle missions, he served as pilot on three flights and commander on one, logging over 42 days in space. Henricks played key roles in Department of Defense operations, Spacelab science missions, and the deployment of a critical Tracking and Data Relay Satellite.
Early life and education
Born in Bryan, Ohio, Henricks graduated from Fairview High School in Sherwood, Ohio. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the United States Air Force Academy in 1974. He later earned a Master of Science degree in Public Administration from Golden Gate University in 1982. His military education includes completion of the Squadron Officer School at Maxwell Air Force Base and the prestigious United States Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base.
NASA career
Selected by NASA as part of Group 10 in 1985, Henricks completed his initial astronaut training and qualified for flight assignment. His technical assignments included roles in the Shuttle Avionics Integration Laboratory and support for launches at the Kennedy Space Center. He served as a spacecraft communicator, or CAPCOM, in Mission Control Center during several Space Shuttle missions, providing a critical link between ground controllers and orbiting crews.
Spaceflight experience
Henricks first flew into space as the pilot on STS-44 aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis in 1991. This mission was dedicated to the United States Department of Defense. He next served as pilot on STS-55, the German-sponsored Spacelab D-2 mission aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1993, which conducted numerous experiments in the Spacelab module. Henricks commanded STS-70 on the Space Shuttle Discovery in 1995, successfully deploying the seventh Tracking and Data Relay Satellite. His final mission was as commander of STS-78, the Life and Microgravity Spacelab mission on Space Shuttle Columbia in 1996, which supported long-duration life science research.
Post-NASA career and personal life
After leaving NASA and retiring from the United States Air Force with the rank of colonel, Henricks pursued a career in the private sector. He held executive positions in aerospace and defense consulting. He has been involved with organizations such as the Air Force Association and has served on the board of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. Henricks is married and has children.
Awards and honors
His decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He received the NASA Distinguished Service Medal and multiple NASA Space Flight Medals. Other honors include the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, the Air Medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. He is a fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
Category:American astronauts Category:NASA astronauts Category:United States Air Force officers Category:Test pilots Category:1952 births Category:Living people