A decorated naval aviator and NASA astronaut who spent 144 days aboard the International Space Station, known for being the only American not on Earth during the 9/11 attacks.
Frank L. Culbertson Jr. is an American hero and a pioneering astronaut who holds the unique distinction of being the only U.S. citizen not on Earth when the September 11 attacks occurred in 2001. As the commander of the International Space Station (ISS) at the time, Culbertson witnessed the devastating event from a perspective like no other.
Culbertson was born on May 15, 1949, in Charleston, South Carolina, but considers Holly Hill, South Carolina, his hometown. He has five children and nine grandchildren. A Boy Scout and graduate of Holly Hill High School in 1967, Culbertson went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from the United States Naval Academy in 1971. During his time at the Naval Academy, he was a member of the varsity rowing and wrestling teams.
Upon graduation from the Naval Academy, Culbertson served aboard USS Fox in the Gulf of Tonkin prior to reporting to flight training in Pensacola, Florida. He was designated as a Naval Aviator at Beeville, Texas, in May 1973, and flew F4 Phantom aircraft with VF121 at NAS Miramar, California, with VF151 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Midway, permanently homeported in Yokosuka, Japan, and with the U.S. Air Force in the 426th Tactical Fighter Squadron.
Culbertson was selected as an astronaut candidate by NASA in 1984. During his time at NASA, he flew on three space missions, including STS-38, STS-51, and Expedition 3 on the ISS. His remarkable career spanned over 15 years, during which he logged over 144 days in space.
In 2001, Culbertson commanded the ISS for almost four months, from August 10 to November 21. It was during this mission that he witnessed the 9/11 attacks from space, an experience he has described as "surreal" and "horrific."
After retiring from NASA in 2002, Culbertson went on to work as the President of the Space Systems Group at Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems, where he oversaw the execution, business development, and financial performance of the company's human spaceflight, science, commercial communications, and national security satellite activities.
"You've got to have a passion for what you do, and you've got to be willing to take risks and step outside your comfort zone." - Frank L. Culbertson Jr.
Culbertson's remarkable life and career serve as an inspiration to many, demonstrating the importance of hard work, dedication, and a willingness to push beyond one's limits.
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