Francisco Rubio (astronaut)

COL Francisco C. Rubio (1)

Francisco Rubio is an American astronaut and physician who was selected by NASA in June 2017 to join the 2017 Astronaut Candidate Class. His selection into the astronaut corps marked the culmination of a diverse career in military service, medicine, and aviation.

Early Life and Education

Francisco Rubio was born in Los Angeles, California, but considers Miami, Florida, to be his hometown. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in International Relations from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, in 1998. Following his graduation, Rubio served as a U-60 Blackhawk helicopter pilot, which included combat missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq. After his service, Rubio pursued a career in medicine, earning a Doctor of Medicine degree from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland.

Military Career

Rubio's military career is marked by his service as a helicopter pilot in the United States Army, where he achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He has logged more than 1,100 hours of flight time in various aircraft, demonstrating his proficiency and dedication to aviation. His military decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and Air Medal with "V" device for valor under fire.

Medical Career

After completing his medical degree, Rubio served as a family physician and flight surgeon in the Army. In these roles, he was responsible for the healthcare of soldiers, including those in high-stress and combat environments. His medical expertise and leadership in these positions underscored his commitment to the well-being and readiness of his fellow service members.

NASA Career

In 2017, Francisco Rubio was selected as one of the 12 candidates from a pool of over 18,000 applicants to join NASA's Astronaut Candidate Class. His training included intensive instruction in International Space Station systems, spacewalks, Russian language, and robotics. Rubio's diverse background in aviation, medicine, and military service made him a valuable asset to the NASA astronaut corps.

Missions

As of the last update, specific mission assignments for Francisco Rubio had not been publicly announced. However, astronauts in his class are expected to be involved in future missions under NASA's Artemis program, aimed at returning humans to the Moon and eventually conducting manned missions to Mars.

Personal Life

Francisco Rubio is married and has four children. He is known for his dedication to his family, his country, and his passion for space exploration.

See Also

• NASA Astronaut Corps
• Artemis program
• International Space Station