A NASA astronaut and engineer who spent 167 days on the International Space Station, performing spacewalks and conducting scientific experiments. He's also a sought-after speaker and author.
Clayton Anderson is a retired NASA astronaut who spent 167 days, 6 hours, and 29 minutes in space, making him a sought-after motivational speaker, author, and Professor of Practice at Iowa State University. He is best known for being a member of the ISS Expedition 15 crew and replacing Sunita Williams on June 10, 2007.
Anderson was born on February 23, 1959, and grew up in Ashland, Nebraska. He graduated from Ashland-Greenwood High School in 1977 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in physics from Hastings College in 1981. He later obtained a Master of Science degree in aerospace engineering from Iowa State University in 1983.
Selected as an astronaut candidate by NASA in June 1998, Anderson reported for training in August of that year. During his training, he underwent orientation briefings and tours, as well as intensive instruction in Shuttle and International Space Station systems. He also learned water and wilderness survival techniques and received ground school training to prepare for T-38 flight training.
Prior to being assigned to a spaceflight, Anderson served as the lead for the Enhanced Caution and Warning System development effort within the Space Shuttle Cockpit Avionics Upgrade Project. He was also the crew support astronaut for ISS Expedition 4, providing ground support on technical issues and supporting the crew families.
Anderson served as an ISS Capsule Communicator and as the Astronaut Office crew representative for the Station's electrical power system. In November 2002, he completed training in the Extravehicular Activity EVA Skills program. He was backup flight engineer for Expedition 12, Expedition 13, and Expedition 14 to the International Space Station.
After retiring from NASA, Anderson became a motivational speaker, author, and Professor of Practice at Iowa State University. He is also the president and CEO of the Strategic Air Command Aerospace Museum, a position he assumed in 2022.
Anderson's experiences in space have inspired countless people, and he continues to share his story through public speaking engagements and writing. His book, The Ordinary Spaceman: From Boyhood Dreams to Astronaut, offers a unique glimpse into his journey as an astronaut.
Anderson has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the field of aerospace engineering and his service as a NASA astronaut. These include the NASA Exceptional Service Medal, the NASA Space Flight Medal, and the Russian Federation Medal for Merit in Exploration of Space.
In conclusion, Clayton Anderson's remarkable career as a NASA astronaut, motivational speaker, and author has inspired countless individuals to pursue their dreams and reach for the stars.
62 Years Old
Spent a year in space, setting a record for the longest single spaceflight by an American, and providing valuable insights into the effects of long-term space travel on the human body.
66 Years Old
American biochemist and astronaut who holds the record for the most time spent in space by an American, with a total of 289 days, 5 hours, and 1 minute. She is also known for her three long-duration stays on the International Space Station.
64 Years Old
A Russian colonel, pilot, and astronaut who spent over 800 days in space, including a 125-day stint on the International Space Station, and holds the record for most time spent in space by a Russian citizen.
