Astronaut who flew on four Space Shuttle missions and later became a US Senator, known for his space travel and advocacy for gun control.
Mark Kelly is a name synonymous with bravery, resilience, and dedication to serving his country. As a former astronaut, Navy captain, and current United States Senator from Arizona, Kelly has led a life of remarkable achievements, pushing the boundaries of human exploration and fighting for a better tomorrow.
Kelly's journey began in the United States Navy, where he flew combat missions during the Gulf War as a naval aviator. His exceptional skills and bravery earned him a spot as a NASA Space Shuttle pilot in 1996. Over the course of his illustrious career, Kelly flew four space missions, including commanding the final mission of Space Shuttle Endeavour in 2011.
Kelly's personal life has been marked by triumph and tragedy. His identical twin brother, Scott Kelly, is also a retired astronaut, making them the only siblings to have both traveled into orbit. In 2011, Kelly's wife, then-Arizona Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, was shot and nearly killed in an assassination attempt. This devastating event spurred Kelly and Giffords to found the nonprofit Americans for Responsible Solutions, later renamed Giffords, which campaigns for gun control measures like universal background checks and red flag laws.
In 2019, Kelly announced his candidacy for Arizona's Class 3 U.S. Senate seat, marking a new chapter in his life of service. He won the Democratic primary in 2020 and went on to defeat incumbent Republican Martha McSally in the general election, becoming the first Democrat to win this seat since 1962. Kelly was sworn in as Senator on December 2, 2020, and has since been a vocal advocate for issues like gun control, healthcare, and climate change.
Kelly's impressive career has earned him numerous awards and honors, including the Navy Distinguished Flying Cross, the Legion of Merit, and the NASA Distinguished Service Medal. He has also been inducted into the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame.
Kelly's words of wisdom have inspired countless individuals, including his famous quote, "The only way to do great work is to love what you do." His commitment to serving others and making a difference in the world is a beacon of hope for generations to come.
Mark Kelly's remarkable life has left an indelible mark on American history. As an astronaut, he has inspired a new generation of space explorers. As a politician, he continues to fight for a better tomorrow, pushing for legislation that benefits the people of Arizona and the nation as a whole. Kelly's legacy will undoubtedly continue to grow, inspiring future generations to pursue careers in service, science, and politics.
Kelly's remarkable journey serves as a testament to the power of dedication, perseverance, and service. As he continues to make waves in Washington, his legacy will inspire generations to come, cementing his place as a true American hero.
76 Years Old
Lead vocalist and bassist of the iconic rock band Thin Lizzy, known for hits like "Jailbreak" and "The Boys Are Back in Town".
75 Years Old
A legendary guitarist and songwriter, best known for his work with Thin Lizzy, creating iconic rock anthems and riffs that still inspire generations of musicians.
70 Years Old
A founding member of Echo & the Bunnymen, he wrote iconic post-punk anthems like "The Killing Moon" and "Seven Seas", shaping the 80s music landscape.
Born in 1915
A beloved comedian and game show host who brought laughter and excitement to millions through his witty humor and charismatic presence on popular TV shows like "I've Got a Secret" and "To Tell the Truth".
59 Years Old
Lead vocalist of the Scottish heavy metal band Thin Lizzy and a solo artist, known for his powerful voice and energetic live performances.
75 Years Old
A Mexican baseball player and manager who hit a.215 batting average, earning him infamy as the Mendoza Line, a benchmark for batting futility. He later managed several teams, including the Mexican national team.
63 Years Old
A renowned guitarist and songwriter, best known for his work with Def Leppard, contributing to their iconic sound and hits like "Pour Some Sugar on Me".