Karen Nyberg

Karen LuJean Nyberg (born October 7, 1969) is an American mechanical engineer and retired NASA astronaut. She first became a NASA astronaut in July 2000. Nyberg has been to space twice, logging 180 days on the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station (ISS).

Early life and education

Nyberg was born in Parkers Prairie, Minnesota. She graduated from Parkers Prairie High School in 1987. She then attended the University of North Dakota, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering in 1994. Nyberg later earned a Master of Science degree and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Texas at Austin in 1996 and 1998, respectively.

NASA career

Nyberg began her career at NASA in 1991 as a Cooperative Education student. She worked in a variety of areas including life support systems, robotic systems, and thermal control systems. In July 2000, she was selected as a mission specialist by NASA.

Nyberg first flew to space on STS-124 in May 2008 as a mission specialist. The mission delivered the Japanese Experiment Module and the Canadian Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator to the ISS.

Her second spaceflight was on Expedition 36/37 from May to November 2013. During this mission, she completed a 166-day stay on the ISS.

Personal life

Nyberg is married to fellow astronaut Douglas Hurley. They have one child together.

See also

• List of female astronauts
• Women in space