David Leestma
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| David Leestma | |
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| Name | David Leestma |
| Birth date | 12 June 1941 |
| Birth place | Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States |
| Occupation | Naval aviator; test pilot; NASA astronaut; aerospace executive |
| Alma mater | United States Naval Academy; University of Michigan |
| Missions | STS-41-G, STS-28, STS-45 |
David Leestma (born June 12, 1941) is a retired United States Navy officer, Naval aviator, test pilot, and former NASA astronaut who flew as pilot or commander on three Space Shuttle missions. He served in multiple operational and developmental aviation assignments, participated in flight testing for McDonnell Douglas, and contributed to scientific and operational programs at Johnson Space Center before pursuing leadership roles in aerospace industry and public service.
Early life and education
Leestma was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan and raised in the Midwest, attending local public schools before entering the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in naval science and later earned a Master of Science degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. During his cadet and graduate years he engaged with programs and figures associated with Naval ROTC, Naval Aviation Schools Command, and faculty linked to Aerospace Engineering research at University of Michigan College of Engineering.
Naval aviation and test pilot career
Commissioned into the United States Navy, Leestma completed flight training at Naval Air Station Pensacola and earned designation as a Naval aviator. He flew carrier-based aircraft with fleet squadrons assigned to Carrier Air Wing deployments aboard aircraft carriers including USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) and others operating in theaters associated with Vietnam War-era operations and Cold War deployments. Selected for test pilot training at United States Naval Test Pilot School at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, he served with Naval Air Test Center units conducting developmental flight test for aircraft manufacturers such as McDonnell Douglas and Grumman Corporation. His test assignments included work on avionics, propulsion, and carrier suitability programs coordinated with Naval Air Systems Command and collaborative efforts involving Fleet Replacement Squadron personnel.
NASA career and spaceflights
Selected by NASA as an astronaut candidate in the era following the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster recovery programs, Leestma served at Johnson Space Center in roles supporting flight crew operations, training, and vehicle integration. He was pilot on STS-41-G aboard Space Shuttle Challenger, which carried international payloads and crewmembers from agencies such as Canadian Space Agency and experiments developed in collaboration with institutions like National Aeronautics and Space Administration research centers. He later commanded STS-28 and STS-45 missions aboard Space Shuttle Columbia and Space Shuttle Atlantis respectively, managing crews, payload operations, and cooperative science payloads linked to organizations including Department of Defense, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, European Space Agency, and university research teams. His NASA duties also involved coordination with program offices such as Space Shuttle Program, Mission Control Center, and the Office of the Chief Astronaut.
Post-NASA career and later work
After retiring from active astronaut flight status, Leestma transitioned to executive and advisory positions in the aerospace sector, working with corporations tied to Aerospace industries and consulting with defense and space-oriented entities such as Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and technology firms interacting with Jet Propulsion Laboratory contractors. He engaged in outreach and STEM advocacy with organizations including National Space Society, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and regional educational institutions, contributing to curriculum development and public lectures at venues like Smithsonian Institution and university engineering schools. Leestma also participated in advisory capacities for state and federal agencies, collaborating with committees associated with NASA Advisory Council and national space policy stakeholders.
Personal life and honors
Leestma has been recognized with military and civilian awards from institutions such as the Defense Superior Service Medal, NASA Distinguished Service Medal, and unit commendations from United States Navy commands. He has been active in veteran and aerospace communities in Michigan and Texas, maintaining affiliations with alumni groups at the United States Naval Academy and the University of Michigan. His honors include recognition by professional societies such as Aerospace Medical Association and Society of Experimental Test Pilots. Leestma's family life has included residence near naval and astronaut communities tied to Naval Air Station regions and Johnson Space Center, and involvement in civic organizations and charitable foundations associated with veteran services and educational outreach.
Category:1941 births Category:Living people Category:United States Navy officers Category:American astronauts Category:NASA astronauts