Martin J. Fettman

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Astronaut martin joseph fettman

Martin J. Fettman (born 31 December 1956) is an American pathologist, scientist, and former NASA astronaut. He is notable for being the first American veterinarian to fly in space. Fettman flew as a payload specialist on the Space Shuttle mission STS-58 in 1993, a mission dedicated to life sciences research. His inclusion in the mission was part of NASA's efforts to study the effects of microgravity on the human body, using both human and animal subjects.

Early Life and Education

Martin J. Fettman was born in Brooklyn, New York. He showed an early interest in the sciences, particularly in biology and the life sciences. Fettman pursued his passion for animal health by obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Animal Nutrition from Cornell University in 1976, followed by a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) from Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine in 1980. Furthering his education, he also earned a Ph.D. in Nutritional Biochemistry from Cornell University in 1984, demonstrating his deep commitment to understanding the biochemical foundations of nutrition and its effects on health.

Career

After completing his education, Fettman embarked on a career that spanned both academic and space exploration fields. He joined the faculty of Colorado State University (CSU) where he served as a professor of pathology and a clinical veterinarian. His research focused on clinical pathology, nutritional biochemistry, and the effects of diet on health and disease in animals. Fettman's expertise in these areas led to his selection by NASA for the STS-58 mission, marking a significant milestone in his career.

NASA Career

In 1993, Martin J. Fettman was selected to fly on the Space Shuttle Columbia for the STS-58 mission, part of the Spacelab Life Sciences 2 (SLS-2) project. This mission was particularly significant for its comprehensive life sciences research agenda, aimed at understanding the effects of spaceflight on the human body and other living organisms. During the mission, Fettman was responsible for conducting a variety of experiments related to cardiovascular physiology, bone and muscle metabolism, and the neurosensory systems of humans and animals in microgravity. His work contributed valuable data to the field of space medicine, particularly in understanding how prolonged spaceflight could affect astronauts' health.

Post-NASA Career

Following his spaceflight, Fettman returned to his academic and research pursuits. He continued his work at Colorado State University, contributing to the fields of veterinary medicine and nutritional biochemistry through teaching, research, and publication. Fettman's experience in space has also made him a sought-after speaker on the topics of space exploration, the importance of STEM education, and the role of veterinarians in the aerospace industry.

Legacy

Martin J. Fettman's contributions to space exploration and science have been recognized through various awards and honors. His unique position as the first American veterinarian in space highlights the interdisciplinary nature of modern space exploration, where professionals from diverse fields can contribute to the advancement of human knowledge and capabilities in space. Fettman's career exemplifies the importance of life sciences research in understanding and mitigating the challenges of human spaceflight.