Bob Behnken

Robert Louis "Bob" Behnken (born July 28, 1970) is an American engineer and retired NASA astronaut. He is a veteran of two Space Shuttle missions and served as joint operations commander on the SpaceX Demo-2 mission, the first crewed SpaceX flight.

Early life and education

Behnken was born in St. Ann, Missouri. He graduated from Pattonville High School in Maryland Heights, Missouri, in 1988. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics and Mechanical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis in 1992 and a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering from the California Institute of Technology in 1993 and 1997, respectively.

NASA career

Behnken was selected by NASA in 2000 and became an astronaut in 2002. He flew on Space Shuttle missions STS-123 in 2008 and STS-130 in 2010, logging over 708 hours in space, including over 37 hours in three spacewalks.

In 2015, Behnken was selected as one of four astronauts to train for the Commercial Crew Program, eventually being assigned to the SpaceX Demo-2 mission. He served as joint operations commander, responsible for activities such as rendezvous, docking and undocking, as well as Demo-2 activities while the spacecraft is docked to the International Space Station.

Personal life

Behnken is married to fellow astronaut K. Megan McArthur. They have one son.

Awards and honors

Behnken has received numerous awards and honors, including the NASA Space Flight Medal, the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, and the Defense Superior Service Medal.

See also

• List of astronauts by year of selection
• List of human spaceflights