Joseph P. Kerwin

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Pete Conrad undergoes dental exam

Skylab 2 Crew Members

Joseph P. Kerwin is an American physician and former NASA astronaut who became the first physician to be selected for astronaut training in 1965 and later participated in the Skylab 2 mission in 1973, America's first space station. His contributions to space medicine and his experiences aboard Skylab have been instrumental in understanding the effects of spaceflight on the human body, making significant contributions to the field of space medicine.

Early Life and Education

Joseph Peter Kerwin was born on February 19, 1932, in Oak Park, Illinois. He pursued his undergraduate education at the College of the Holy Cross, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy in 1953. Following his undergraduate studies, Kerwin attended the Northwestern University Medical School, earning his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1957. His interest in aviation and space was evident early on, as he also completed flight surgeon training at the Naval Aerospace Medical Institute in Pensacola, Florida, in 1962.

Naval Career

Before joining NASA, Kerwin served in the United States Navy, where he was involved in aviation medicine. His work as a flight surgeon included both research and operational roles, which prepared him for his future contributions to space medicine. Kerwin's naval career provided him with a solid foundation in the physiological challenges associated with flight, an area that would become crucial during his time in space.

NASA Career

In 1965, Joseph P. Kerwin was selected as part of NASA's fourth group of astronauts, becoming the first physician to enter the astronaut corps. His selection marked a significant milestone in the inclusion of scientists and medical professionals in space exploration, recognizing the importance of biomedical research in space.

Skylab 2 Mission

Kerwin flew on the Skylab 2 mission in 1973, which was the first manned mission to Skylab, the United States' first space station. During this mission, he served as the Science Pilot and was responsible for conducting a variety of medical and scientific experiments. His work aboard Skylab was pivotal in studying the physiological effects of long-duration spaceflight, including bone density loss, muscle atrophy, and fluid redistribution. These studies laid the groundwork for future research on how the human body adapts to the microgravity environment of space.

Post-NASA Career

After his return from space, Kerwin continued to contribute to the field of space medicine and played a key role in the development of medical protocols and countermeasures for astronauts. He also held various positions within NASA, including Director of Space and Life Sciences at the Johnson Space Center, where he oversaw biomedical research and operational support for space missions.

In the later stages of his career, Kerwin transitioned to the private sector, where he continued to work on projects related to space and health. His expertise in space medicine has made him a respected figure in both the aerospace and medical communities.

Legacy

Joseph P. Kerwin's contributions to space medicine have had a lasting impact on the field. His work aboard Skylab and his subsequent efforts in developing space health protocols have helped ensure the safety and well-being of astronauts on long-duration missions. Kerwin's pioneering role as the first physician-astronaut highlights the interdisciplinary nature of space exploration and the critical role of medical science in advancing human presence in space.