Space ShuttleLiving
Astronaut Profile
Robert Crippen
Pilot
Robert Crippen piloted STS-1, the first Space Shuttle flight, and later commanded three more Shuttle missions.
OrbitingTruths Archive
Pilot • Living
Biography
The person behind the mission
Robert L. Crippen was a U.S. Navy test pilot who served as pilot on STS-1 in 1981, the first crewed flight of the Space Shuttle, alongside veteran astronaut John Young. He went on to command three more Shuttle missions, including STS-7, which made Sally Ride the first American woman in space. Crippen flew a total of four Shuttle missions before moving into NASA management roles.
Astronaut Details
Born
September 11, 1937
Birthplace
Beaumont, Texas, USA
Role
Pilot
Program
Space Shuttle
Time in Space
23 days, 13 hours, 22 minutes
Missions
STS-1, STS-7, STS-41-C, STS-41-G
Recognition
Awards & Honors
- Congressional Space Medal of Honor
- NASA Distinguished Service Medal
- Navy Distinguished Flying Cross