Gregory Chamitoff

Gregory Errol Chamitoff (born August 6, 1962) is a Canadian-American engineer and former NASA astronaut. He was assigned to Expedition 17 and flew on STS-124 to the International Space Station (ISS), where he lived on board for six months. He returned to Earth on STS-126 on November 30, 2008. He was also a part of the STS-134 mission that delivered the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer to the ISS.

Early life and education

Chamitoff was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He moved to California at the age of 16, where he completed his high school education. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from California Polytechnic State University in 1984, a Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from California Institute of Technology in 1985, and a Doctorate in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1992.

NASA career

Chamitoff joined NASA in 1995 as a Flight Controller for the ISS. He was selected as an astronaut candidate in 1998. His first spaceflight was on STS-124, which launched on May 31, 2008. During his time on the ISS, he performed various scientific experiments and two spacewalks. He returned to Earth on STS-126.

His second spaceflight was on STS-134, the final flight of Space Shuttle Endeavour. The mission launched on May 16, 2011, and returned on June 1, 2011. During the mission, the crew delivered the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer and other supplies to the ISS.

Post-NASA career

After retiring from NASA in 2013, Chamitoff joined the faculty of Texas A&M University as a Professor of Practice in the Department of Aerospace Engineering.

Personal life

Chamitoff is married and has two children. He enjoys flying, scuba diving, and playing chess. He is known for playing the first Earth vs. space chess match with the public while aboard the ISS.

See also

• List of spacewalks and moonwalks
• List of International Space Station expeditions
• List of human spaceflights