NASA astronaut Megan McArther retired, concluding a career for more than two decades. An experienced of two spaceflights, McArthur logged in space for 213 days, which included the last person to “touch” the first woman and the first woman to pilot the SpaceX Dragon Spacecraft with the robotic arm of Space Shuttle.
McArther launched NASA’s SpaceX Crew -2 mission in April 2021, with his first long -term for his first long period of riding at his second spaceflight and international space station. During the 200-day mission, he served as a flight engineer for the 65/66 campaigns, which conducts a wide range of scientific experiments in human health, material science and robotics to prepare the moon’s discovery under Artemis and prepare American astronauts to Mars.
His first spacefall in 2009 was STS-125, riding on the fifth and final servicing mission for Space Shuttle Atlantis, Hubble. As a mission specialist, she was responsible for capturing binoculars with robotic arm, as well as supporting five spacewalks to update and repair Hubble after her first 19 years in space. He also played an important role in supporting shuttle operations during the launch, Rendezavas and Landing with Telescope.
“Megan’s thoughtful leadership, operational excellence and deep commitment to science and exploration have made a permanent impact,” said Steve Corner, acting director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center at Houston. “His contribution has helped shape the future of human space exploration, and we are incredibly grateful to his service.”
In addition to his flight experience, McArther has served in various technical and leadership roles within NASA. In 2019, she became the deputy division head of the Astronaut Office, supporting astronaut training, development and ongoing spaceflight operations. He also worked as an assistant director of flight operations for the International Space Station Program starting in 2017.
Since 2022, McArthur has served as Chief Science Officer at the official visitor center of Space Center Houston, NASA Johnson. Continuing this role, it actively promotes public engagement with space exploration subjects, which aims to increase the understanding of the benefits of humanity and increase science literacy.
“Megan brought a unique combination of technical skills and compassion for everything he has done,” said Akaba, head of the Astronauts Office in NASA Johnson. “Whether it is in space or on the ground, he gave the best meaning of being an astronaut and a team partner. His contribution would be felt by the next generation explorers who he helped in the train.”
McArther was born in Honolulu and was raised as “Navy children” in many different places worldwide. He graduated from California University, Los Angeles at Aerospace Engineering, and received a doctorate in Oceanography from Scripts Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego. Prior to being selected as an astronaut in 2000, he conducted osanographic research focusing on underwater sounds, including shipboard work and comprehensive scuba diving.
McArthur was married to former NASA astronaut Robert Behanken, who rode the Dragon Endeavor spacecraft during the 2020 SpaceX Demo -2 mission.
McArther said, “Serving as NASA’s astronaut was an incredible privilege, working with scientists from all over the world on state -of -the -art research, who continues a permanent impact on Earth and prepares humanity to discover the future on Moon and Mars,” said McArther. “From NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope to International Space Station, our research lab in low meaning orbit, humanity has developed incredible equipment that help us answer important scientific questions, resolve complex engineering challenges, and gain a deep understanding of our place in the universe. Space makes our beautiful planets to see it, I am prone to our brilliant engineers and scientists. Win the challenges and further scientific discoveries for the benefit of all.
To learn more about NASA’s astronauts and his contribution to space exploration, travel:
https://www.nasa.gov/astronauts
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Shanikwa weren
Johnson Space Center, Houston
281-483-5111
shaneeequa.y.vereen@nasa.gov
