Lee Morin

Sts-110-patch

Lee Morin is an American astronaut, physician, and engineer, known for his contributions to space exploration and medical science. Born on September 9, 1952, in Manchester, New Hampshire, Morin has had a distinguished career that spans multiple disciplines, making him a notable figure in the fields of astronautics, medicine, and engineering.

Early Life and Education

Lee Morin's journey into the realms of science and space began with his early education in Manchester. He demonstrated a keen interest in the sciences from a young age, which propelled him towards a path of extensive academic pursuit. Morin earned his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of New Hampshire in 1974, followed by a Master of Science in Biochemistry from New York University in 1978. His passion for learning did not stop there; he went on to receive a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from Columbia University in 1982 and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Microbiology, also from New York University, in 1985.

Career

Lee Morin's career is characterized by his dual contributions to medicine and space exploration. After completing his medical and doctoral studies, Morin served in the United States Navy, where he gained valuable experience as a flight surgeon. This role combined his medical expertise with his interest in aviation and space, setting the stage for his future with NASA.

In 1996, Morin was selected by NASA as an astronaut candidate. After completing two years of training and evaluation, he qualified for flight assignment as a mission specialist. Morin flew on STS-110 in April 2002, a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis. During this mission, he played a crucial role in the installation of the S0 Truss, participating in two spacewalks totaling over 14 hours. His work contributed significantly to the construction and maintenance of the ISS, enhancing its capabilities for future astronauts and researchers.

Beyond his spaceflight experience, Morin has been involved in the development of advanced space exploration tools and technologies. He has worked on the Orion spacecraft, contributing his engineering skills to the design and testing of systems that will play a crucial role in future deep space missions, including those to Mars.

Legacy and Honors

Lee Morin's contributions to space exploration and medicine have been recognized through various awards and honors. His multidisciplinary approach, combining medical science with astronautics and engineering, has made him a unique asset to the scientific and space exploration communities.

Personal Life

Details about Lee Morin's personal life are not widely publicized, as he prefers to keep this aspect of his life private. However, it is known that his experiences and achievements have inspired many young scientists and astronauts to pursue careers in STEM fields.

See Also

• Astronaut
• International Space Station
• Space Shuttle Atlantis
• United States Navy