A decorated colonel and astronaut who flew on three Space Shuttle missions, including the first docking with the Russian space station Mir. He also served as the Director of NASA's Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center.
Donald R. McMonagle is a renowned astronaut and veteran of three space shuttle flights, with a distinguished career that has taken him to the heights of space and the depths of exploration. As a Colonel in the United States Air Force, McMonagle has accumulated over 5,000 hours of flying experience in a variety of aircraft, making him one of the most experienced pilots in the history of space travel.
Born on May 14, 1952, in Flint, Michigan, McMonagle graduated from Hamady High School in 1970. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in astronautical engineering from the United States Air Force Academy in 1974, followed by a Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering from California State University, Fresno in 1985, and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business in 2003.
McMonagle completed pilot training at Columbus Air Force Base AFB, Mississippi, in 1975, and went on to serve in various capacities, including as an F-4 pilot at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, and as an F-15 instructor pilot at Luke AFB, Arizona. He was also a project test pilot for the Advanced Fighter Technology Integration F-16 aircraft from 1982 to 1985.
Selected as an astronaut by NASA in June 1987, McMonagle flew on three space shuttle missions: STS-39, STS-54, and STS-66. He spent a total of 25 days, 5 hours, and 34 minutes in space, and was responsible for deployment of several satellites and conducting various scientific experiments.
After retiring from NASA in 2003, McMonagle became the Manager, Launch Integration, at the Kennedy Space Center, Florida, where he was responsible for final shuttle preparation, launch execution, and return of the orbiter to KSC following landings at any other location. He was also the chair of the Mission Management Team, and was the final authority for launch decision.
McMonagle has received numerous awards and honors for his service, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the NASA Space Flight Medal. He was also inducted into the United States Air Force Academy's Astronautics Hall of Fame in 2011.
McMonagle is married and has two children. He enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and skiing, and is an avid reader of history and science fiction.
Donald R. McMonagle's legacy as an astronaut and veteran of three space shuttle flights continues to inspire future generations of space explorers. His dedication to the pursuit of knowledge and his commitment to public service serve as a shining example of the highest ideals of the United States Air Force and NASA.
96 Years Old
First person to walk on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission, marking a historic milestone in space exploration.
96 Years Old
Second man to walk on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission, a pioneering astronaut and advocate for space exploration.
96 Years Old
Led the third manned mission to land on the Moon, Apollo 12, and became the third person to walk on its surface. Known for his bold and fearless approach to space exploration.
94 Years Old
One of the 12 humans to walk on the Moon during NASA's Apollo program, known for his moonwalk during Apollo 12 and later becoming a painter, capturing the beauty of space through art.
98 Years Old
Commander of the Apollo 13 mission, known for his heroic efforts in saving his crew after an explosion occurred on board. He's an iconic figure in space exploration history.
95 Years Old
Pilot, engineer, and astronaut who flew on four NASA spaceflights, including the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project, the first joint US-Soviet space mission. He was also a test pilot and held several records for altitude and speed.
95 Years Old
Astronaut and pilot who flew on Apollo 13, famously uttering "Houston, we've had a problem" during the mission's critical malfunction. He played a crucial role in saving the crew from disaster.
93 Years Old
A decorated military pilot and astronaut who flew on the Apollo 14 mission, conducting the first scientific experiments on the Moon's surface. He's also known for taking seeds to space, which later grew into "Moon Trees" back on Earth.
