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.
Vance D. Brand, a distinguished American naval officer, aviator, aeronautical engineer, test pilot, and NASA astronaut, is best known for his groundbreaking role as command module pilot during the first US-Soviet joint spaceflight in 1975, aptly named the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project. This historic mission marked a significant milestone in the space race, symbolizing a temporary truce between the two superpowers and paving the way for future international collaborations in space exploration.
Vance DeVoe Brand was born on May 9, 1931, in Longmont, Colorado, to Rudolph William Brand and Donna Mae Brand (née DeVoe). Growing up, Brand was an active member of the Boy Scouts of America, achieving the prestigious rank of Life Scout in Troop 64. He graduated from Longmont High School in 1949 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in business from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 1953. Brand furthered his education by earning another B.S. degree in aeronautical engineering from the University of Colorado in 1960, followed by a Master of Science degree in business administration from UCLA in 1964.
Brand's military career spanned from 1953 to 1957, during which he served as a commissioned officer and naval aviator with the United States Marine Corps. He completed a 15-month tour in Japan as a jet fighter pilot and later continued service in the United States Marine Corps Reserve and Air National Guard jet fighter squadrons until 1964, attaining the rank of major. After his release from active duty, Brand worked as a civilian test pilot for Lockheed Corporation from 1960 to 1966, initially as a flight test engineer on the US Navy's P-3 Orion aircraft. In 1963, he graduated from the US Naval Test Pilot School, Class 33, and was assigned to Palmdale, California, as an experimental test pilot.
In 1975, Brand embarked on the historic Apollo-Soyuz Test Project, a joint mission between the US and Soviet space programs. As command module pilot, he played a crucial role in the successful docking of the Apollo and Soyuz spacecraft, marking a monumental achievement in international space cooperation. Brand later commanded three Space Shuttle missions: STS-4 in 1982, STS-41B in 1984, and STS-35 in 1990.
Vance D. Brand's remarkable career has been recognized with numerous awards, including the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, the NASA Exceptional Service Medal, and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Haley Space Flight Award. He has also been inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame and the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame. As of June 1, 2024, Brand remains the last surviving crew member of the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project, a testament to his dedication to space exploration and his enduring legacy in the history of space travel.
Brand has accumulated an impressive 9,669 flying hours throughout his career, including 8,089 hours in jets, 391 hours in helicopters, and 746 hours in spacecraft. He has checked out in over 30 types of military aircraft and has been quoted saying, "The most important thing in a spacecraft is the people, not the hardware." This sentiment reflects his deep understanding of the importance of teamwork and human collaboration in achieving extraordinary feats in space exploration.
Vance D. Brand's pioneering work in space exploration has inspired generations of scientists, engineers, and astronauts. His contributions to the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project and Space Shuttle programs have paved the way for future international collaborations in space, fostering a greater understanding of the importance of global cooperation in advancing our knowledge of the cosmos. As the world continues to push the boundaries of space exploration, Brand's legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the power of human ingenuity and collaboration in achieving the impossible.
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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.
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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.
92 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.
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Colonel, pilot, and astronaut who flew on the Apollo 15 mission, becoming the first person to walk in space during a deep space mission. He also conducted the first scientific experiments in space.
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A decorated naval aviator and astronaut who flew on Apollo 16, becoming the first person to fly in space as a member of the third group of astronauts selected by NASA. He also commanded the USS Enterprise aircraft carrier during the Gulf War.
