Steven R. Swanson
From The Space Library
 Steven R. Swanson | |
| Birth Name | Steven R. Swanson |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | [[ ]] |
| Occupation | NASA Astronaut |
Contents |
Personal Data
Born in Syracuse, New York, but considers Steamboat Springs, Colorado to be his hometown. Married to the former Mary Drake Young of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. They have three children. He enjoys mountain biking, basketball, skiing, weight lifting, trail running, woodworking and spending time with his family. His parents, Stanley and June Swanson, reside in Eagle, Idaho. Her parents, Chan and Martha Young, reside in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
Education
Graduated from Steamboat Springs High School in Steamboat Springs, Colorado; received a bachelor of science degree in engineering physics from the University of Colorado, and a master of applied science in computer systems from Florida Atlantic University, and a doctorate in computer science from Texas A&M University.
Experience
Prior to coming to NASA, Steve worked for GTE in Phoenix, Arizona as a software engineer working on the real-time software of telephone system multiplexer/demultiplexers.
Spaceflight Experience
NASA EXPERIENCE: Steve joined NASA as a systems engineer and a flight engineer in the Aircraft Operations Division of JSC working on the Shuttle Training Aircraft. The Shuttle Training Aircraft (STA) is a complex airborne shuttle simulator, which models the flight characteristics of the Shuttle from 35,000 ft. to main gear touchdown. During his time with the STA, Steve worked on the improvement of the STA's navigation and control systems and the incorporation of a real-time wind determination algorithm. In May of 1998, Steve was selected as mission specialist and started training in August of 1998. After completing Astronaut Candidate training, which included intensive instruction in Shuttle and International Space Station systems, Steve was assigned to the Astronaut Office Space Station Operations Branch. Steve has also worked in the Astronaut Office Robotics Branch and as a CAPCOM (spacecraft communicator) for ISS and Shuttle missions. He also completed the advance training for EVA, the Shuttle and ISS robotic arms, and Shuttle rendezvous. In 2007 Steve flew on STS-117 logged 336 hours in space including almost 14 EVA hours. In 2009, Steve flew on the STS-119 mission in which he lead the EVA team and logged 307 hours in space including about 13 EVA hours. STS-117 Atlantis (June 8-22, 2007) was the 118th Shuttle mission and the 21st mission to visit the International Space Station, delivering the second starboard truss segment, the third set of U.S. solar arrays, batteries and associated equipment. This successful construction and repair mission involved four spacewalks by two teams of astronauts. Steve accumulated 13 hours and 45 minutes of EVA in 2 spacewalks. The mission also delivered and returned with an expedition crew member. STS-117 returned to land at Edwards Air Force Base, California, having traveled 5.8 million miles in 14 days. STS-119 Discovery (March 15-28, 2009) was the 125th Shuttle mission and the 28th mission to visit the International Space Station, delivering the final starboard truss segment, S6. As part of S6, the fourth and final set of U.S. solar arrays, batteries and associated equipment were also delivered, installed and deployed. This very successful construction mission consisted of three spacewalks conducted by three astronauts, two at a time. Steve accumulated 12 hours and 37 minutes of EVA in 2 spacewalks. STS-119 landed at the Kennedy Space Center after traveling 5.3 million miles in 13 days.
Special Honours
Recipient of the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal, the JSC Certificate of Accommodation, Flight Simulation Engineering Award, and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society
Other Information
Apr-09
