A decorated colonel and NASA astronaut who flew on four Space Shuttle missions, including the ill-fated Columbia STS-107, which tragically ended in a fatal re-entry accident.
Rick Husband was a renowned American astronaut and fighter pilot who traveled into space twice, first as the pilot of STS-96 and then as the commander of STS-107. Tragically, his life was cut short when the Columbia disintegrated during reentry into the Earth's atmosphere, claiming the lives of him and his crew members.
Richard Douglas Husband was born on July 12, 1957, in Amarillo, Texas. From a young age, Husband was fascinated by flying and earned his pilot's license at just 17 years old while flying out of Tradewind Airport.
Husband graduated with honors from Amarillo High School in 1975 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Texas Tech University in 1980. He later earned his Master of Science degree from Fresno State University.
After graduating from college, Husband was commissioned as a pilot in the United States Air Force, having enrolled in ROTC during his final two years of college. He underwent pilot training at Vance Air Force Base in Enid, Oklahoma, and later trained in the F-4 at Homestead Air Force Base in Florida.
Husband's remarkable skills as a pilot earned him a spot at the USAF Test Pilot School, where he graduated in 1988 alongside future Canadian Space Agency astronaut Chris Hadfield. He went on to serve as a test pilot, flying the F-4 and five models of the F-15 Eagle.
In 1994, Husband was selected by NASA as an astronaut candidate. He flew on two space missions, STS-96 and STS-107, logging over 400 hours in space.
As the commander of STS-107, Husband led a crew of six astronauts on a 16-day scientific research mission. The mission was a groundbreaking success, with the crew conducting numerous scientific experiments and deploying the FREESTAR satellite.
Rick Husband's bravery and dedication to his country were recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Congressional Space Medal of Honor, the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, and the NASA Space Flight Medal.
In addition to his many accomplishments, Husband is remembered as a devoted husband, father, and friend. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of astronauts, engineers, and scientists.
"It's a real privilege to be a part of this team, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to fly on the shuttle again."
— Rick Husband, during a pre-flight interview for STS-107
Rick Husband's story is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and dedication. His legacy continues to inspire us to reach for the stars and push the boundaries of human achievement.
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