Jerry M. Linenger

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Jerry M. Linenger (born January 16, 1955) is a former NASA astronaut and United States Navy flight surgeon who flew on the Space Shuttle and on the Russian space station Mir during the 1990s. His experiences on Mir positioned him as a key figure in the history of human spaceflight, particularly during a period marked by increasing international cooperation in space exploration.

Early Life and Education

Jerry M. Linenger was born in East Detroit, Michigan. He pursued his education with a keen interest in science and medicine, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in bioscience from the United States Naval Academy in 1977. Linenger continued his education by obtaining a Doctor of Medicine degree from Wayne State University in 1981, followed by a Master of Science in Systems Management from the University of Southern California in 1988, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Epidemiology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1989.

Military Career

Linenger's military career began with the United States Navy, where he served as a flight surgeon. He was selected for NASA's astronaut program in 1992, transitioning from a successful career in the Navy to the forefront of American space exploration.

NASA Career

During his time with NASA, Linenger flew on the Space Shuttle mission STS-64 in 1994, where he conducted various experiments in space. However, it was his mission aboard the Russian space station Mir in 1997 that garnered significant attention. Linenger spent nearly five months on Mir, during which he faced numerous challenges, including the most severe fire ever aboard an orbiting spacecraft, failures of onboard systems, and a collision with a resupply cargo ship. Despite these challenges, he conducted scientific research and became the first American to perform a spacewalk from a foreign space station, and the first to conduct a spacewalk in a non-American-made spacesuit.

Post-NASA Career

After returning from space, Linenger retired from NASA and the Navy, focusing on sharing his experiences and insights into space exploration. He has written several books, including "Off the Planet: Surviving Five Perilous Months Aboard the Space Station Mir," which details his time in space. Linenger is also a sought-after speaker, advocating for space exploration and science education.

Legacy

Jerry M. Linenger's contributions to space exploration and international cooperation in space are significant. His experiences on Mir highlighted the challenges and potential of long-duration spaceflight, contributing to the knowledge base that supports current and future missions to the International Space Station and beyond. Linenger's work has paved the way for deeper understanding and collaboration in human spaceflight, making him a notable figure in the annals of space history.