Scott E. Parazynski

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Scott Edward Parazynski (born July 28, 1961) is an American physician and a former NASA astronaut. He is a veteran of five Space Shuttle missions and seven spacewalks. His contributions to both space exploration and medicine have made him a notable figure in the fields of astronautics and aerospace medicine.

Early Life and Education

Scott E. Parazynski was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, and grew up in Senegal, Lebanon, Iran, and Greece due to his father's work in the international service. He returned to the United States to attend high school in Denver, Colorado. Parazynski went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Stanford University and a Doctor of Medicine from Stanford Medical School.

NASA Career

Parazynski was selected as an astronaut candidate by NASA in March 1992 and became an astronaut in July 1992. Throughout his career at NASA, he flew on five Space Shuttle missions (STS-66, STS-86, STS-95, STS-100, and STS-120), logging over 8 weeks in space. He performed seven spacewalks, totaling over 47 hours outside the spacecraft. One of his most notable spacewalks was during the STS-120 mission in 2007, where he performed a critical repair of a torn solar panel on the International Space Station (ISS), a task that required the development of unique tools and techniques on a tight timeline.

Post-NASA Career

After retiring from NASA in March 2009, Parazynski has been involved in a variety of ventures and roles. He has served as the Chief Medical Officer and Director of Research for the Center for Polar Medical Operations at the University of Texas Medical Branch, providing medical oversight for the U.S. Antarctic Program. Parazynski is also an inventor and entrepreneur, holding numerous patents and being involved in technology startups. He is an accomplished mountaineer, having climbed Mount Everest in May 2009, becoming the first astronaut to summit the world's highest peak.

Personal Life

Scott E. Parazynski is married and has two children. He is known for his adventurous spirit, not only in his professional career but also in his personal pursuits, which include mountaineering, scuba diving, and flying.

Legacy and Honors

Parazynski's work has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, the NASA Space Flight Medal, and induction into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in 2016. His unique contributions to space exploration and his adventurous pursuits on Earth have made him a respected figure in both the scientific and adventure communities.