Robert Satcher

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STS-129 Three astronauts at Harmony

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[[File: Robert Satcher is an American physician, chemical engineer, and NASA astronaut. Born on September 22, 1965, in Hampton, Virginia, Satcher holds the distinction of being the first orthopedic surgeon in space. He was selected by NASA in May 2004 as a mission specialist and flew on STS-129, a space shuttle mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in November 2009.

Early Life and Education

Robert Satcher Jr. was raised in Hampton, Virginia. He demonstrated an early interest in science and mathematics, which paved the way for his future career in engineering and medicine. Satcher earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1986. Following his undergraduate studies, he pursued further education at Harvard Medical School, where he received his Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree in 1994. Additionally, Satcher holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from MIT, which he obtained in 1993, showcasing his diverse interests and expertise in both engineering and medicine.

Medical Career

Before joining NASA, Dr. Satcher had a distinguished career in medicine. He completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at the University of California, San Francisco. Following his residency, he completed a fellowship in musculoskeletal oncology at the University of Florida and a fellowship in minimally invasive surgery at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. His medical career is marked by his contributions to the fields of orthopedic surgery, oncology, and minimally invasive surgical techniques.

NASA Career

Dr. Robert Satcher's journey with NASA began when he was selected as a mission specialist in May 2004. His training included the rigorous Astronaut Candidate Training Program, which encompasses survival training, spacewalks, and operation of the Space Shuttle and International Space Station systems. On November 16, 2009, Satcher flew aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-129 to the ISS. During this mission, he performed two spacewalks, contributing to the maintenance and assembly of the station. His work in space has been recognized for its importance in advancing the capabilities of long-duration human and robotic exploration.

Legacy and Contributions

Dr. Satcher's contributions to both medicine and space exploration are significant. As the first orthopedic surgeon in space, he has paved the way for medical professionals in the astronaut corps. His work highlights the importance of multidisciplinary approaches in solving complex problems, whether they are related to human health on Earth or the challenges of human space exploration. Satcher has been involved in various outreach and educational activities, aiming to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers.

See Also

• List of African American astronauts
• Space medicine
• STS-129