Story Musgrave

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Story Musgrave (born August 19, 1935) is an American physician and retired NASA astronaut. Over his 30-year career with NASA, Musgrave participated in six space shuttle missions, making him a unique figure in the history of human spaceflight. His contributions to both space exploration and the medical field have made him a respected figure in both communities.

Early Life and Education

Story Musgrave was born in Boston, Massachusetts, but grew up on a farm in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Despite not completing high school, he joined the United States Marine Corps in 1953, where he served as an aircraft electrician and a mechanic. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and statistics from Syracuse University, a Master of Business Administration degree from the UCLA Anderson School of Management, a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry from Marietta College, a Doctor of Medicine degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and a Master of Science in physiology and biophysics from the University of Kentucky.

NASA Career

Musgrave joined NASA in 1967 as part of Astronaut Group 6, the first group of scientist-astronauts. He flew on six spaceflights: STS-6, STS-51-F, STS-33, STS-44, STS-61, and STS-80, accumulating over 1,281 hours in space. His missions included the first shuttle night launch and night landing on STS-8, the deployment of the Hubble Space Telescope on STS-61, and serving as a mission specialist on the first dedicated Department of Defense mission, STS-33.

Musgrave's work in space was varied and included deploying satellites, performing spacewalks, and conducting scientific experiments. He is particularly noted for his role in the repair and servicing of the Hubble Space Telescope during the STS-61 mission, which was one of the most complex and successful space shuttle missions ever undertaken.

Post-NASA Career

After retiring from NASA in 1997, Musgrave has focused on public speaking and consulting. He shares his experiences and insights on human potential, teamwork, and leadership from his unique perspective as an astronaut, physician, and engineer. Musgrave has also been involved in design and innovation, contributing to projects and concepts for future space missions.

Legacy

Story Musgrave's legacy is marked by his contributions to the success and longevity of the Hubble Space Telescope, as well as his dedication to education and continuous learning. His career exemplifies the intersection of science, medicine, and exploration, making him a role model for future generations of astronauts and scientists.

See Also

• List of space shuttle missions
• Hubble Space Telescope
• NASA Astronaut Corps