Michael John Smith
- Born:
- April 30, 1945, Beaufort, North Carolina, USA
- Died:
- January 28, 1986 (aged 40), Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA (Space Shuttle Challenger disaster)
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Astronaut, United States Navy Pilot
Early Life and Education
- Graduated from Beaufort High School in 1963.
- Received a Bachelor of Science degree in Naval Science from the United States Naval Academy in 1967.
- Earned a Master of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in 1968.
Career and Major Achievements
- Served as a fighter pilot in the United States Navy, logging over 4,867 hours of flight time.
- Completed 28 different types of aircraft carrier landings.
- Graduated from the U.S. Navy Test Pilot School in 1974.
- Selected as a NASA astronaut in May 1980.
- Assigned as pilot of Space Shuttle Challenger mission STS-51-L.
- Posthumously awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor.
Notable Works
- STS-51-L (Space Shuttle Challenger) Mission - Although tragically unsuccessful, the mission aimed to deploy the TDRS-B satellite and conduct experiments.
Legacy and Impact
Michael John Smith is remembered as a dedicated astronaut and naval pilot who made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of space exploration. The 'marife hernandez biography of michael', though tragically concluding early, underscores his commitment to service and advancement of scientific knowledge. His story continues to inspire future generations of explorers and engineers.
Notable Works
| Mission | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|
| STS-51-L | Pilot | Challenger mission that tragically ended in disaster shortly after launch. Planned to deploy TDRS-B satellite and conduct experiments. |