William Frederick Fisher

Sts-51-i-patch

William Frederick Fisher is an American physician, astronaut, and engineer who was selected by NASA in 1980 as part of Astronaut Group 9. He is known for his contributions to both the medical and space fields, particularly for his mission aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery on STS-51-I.

Early Life and Education

William Frederick Fisher was born on April 1, 1946, in Dallas, Texas. He pursued his undergraduate education in biology at Stanford University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree. Following his passion for medicine, Fisher then attended the University of Florida, where he earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. His commitment to both medicine and engineering led him to further his education by obtaining a Master of Science in engineering.

Career

Medical Career

Before joining NASA, Fisher worked as an emergency room physician, where he gained significant experience in medical practice. His medical career is marked by his dedication to patient care and his contributions to emergency medicine.

NASA Career

Fisher's journey with NASA began when he was selected as an astronaut candidate in 1980. His background in medicine and engineering made him a unique asset to the astronaut corps. He trained extensively for space flight, focusing on spacewalks, spacecraft operations, and scientific experiments in microgravity.

In 1985, Fisher flew on the Space Shuttle Discovery mission STS-51-I, serving as a mission specialist. During this mission, he played a crucial role in deploying three communications satellites. He also participated in a spacewalk to repair the disabled Syncom IV-3 satellite, showcasing his skills in extravehicular activity (EVA) and problem-solving in space.

Post-NASA Career

After his time with NASA, Fisher returned to his medical roots, continuing to work in the field of emergency medicine. He has also been involved in various aerospace medicine projects, applying his unique expertise to improve health care both on Earth and in space environments.

Legacy

William Frederick Fisher's contributions to both the medical and aerospace fields have been significant. His work has paved the way for future collaborations between these two disciplines, highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in solving complex problems. His mission on STS-51-I remains a testament to the critical role of astronauts with medical and engineering expertise in the success of space missions.

See Also

• Space Shuttle Discovery
• STS-51-I
• NASA Astronaut Group 9
• Extravehicular activity