Donald H. Peterson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Donald H. Peterson
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| Born |
Donald Herod Peterson
October 22, 1933 Winona, Mississippi, U.S.
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| Died | May 27, 2018 (aged 84) El Lago, Texas, U.S.
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| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | USMA, B.S. 1955 AFIT, M.S. 1962 |
| Occupation | Fighter pilot, test pilot, engineer |
| Space career | |
| USAF/NASA astronaut | |
| Rank |  Colonel, USAF |
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Time in space
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5 days 23 minutes |
| Selection | 1967 USAF MOL Group 3 1969 NASA Group 7 |
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Total EVAs
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1 |
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Total EVA time
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4 hours 17 minutes |
| Missions | STS-6 |
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Mission insignia
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| Retirement | November 1984 |
Donald Herod Peterson (born October 22, 1933 – died May 27, 2018) was an officer in the United States Air Force and a NASA astronaut. He was chosen for a special Air Force space program. When that program ended, he joined NASA in 1969. Peterson flew into space as a mission specialist on the Space Shuttle Challenger during the STS-6 mission. On this flight, he performed a spacewalk to test new equipment. He spent a total of 120 hours (5 days) in space. Peterson retired from NASA in 1984.
Contents
Donald Peterson's Journey to Space
Donald Peterson was a brave astronaut who spent many years serving his country. He was a pilot, an engineer, and a space explorer. Let's learn more about his life and amazing career.
Early Life and Education
Donald Peterson was born in Winona, Mississippi, on October 22, 1933. He finished high school in Winona in 1951. His teachers remembered him as a very good student.
He wanted to go to college but needed financial help. So, he decided to join a military academy. He went to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York. In 1955, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree and chose to join the Air Force.
Later, he studied nuclear engineering at the U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology. He earned his Master of Science degree in 1962. He also worked towards a Ph.D. at the University of Texas.
Air Force Career
After graduating from West Point, Donald Peterson became a flight instructor. He also worked as a nuclear systems analyst. For a year, he was a fighter pilot with the Tactical Air Command. This included three months of combat training.
He also graduated from the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. This school trains pilots to test new aircraft. He was chosen for the Air Force's Manned Orbiting Laboratory (MOL) program. This was a secret space program.
Peterson spent over 5,300 hours flying planes. More than 5,000 of these hours were in jet aircraft.
Becoming a NASA Astronaut
In September 1969, the MOL program was canceled. Donald Peterson then joined NASA Astronaut Group 7 and became a NASA astronaut. He helped support the Apollo 16 mission.
Peterson retired from the United States Air Force as a colonel. He had served for over 24 years. But he continued to work for NASA as a civilian astronaut. He helped with engineering, safety, and how humans interact with machines in space.
His Space Mission: STS-6
Donald Peterson was a mission specialist on STS-6. This was the first flight of the new Space Shuttle Challenger. The mission launched from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on April 4, 1983.
His crewmates were Paul J. Weitz, Karol J. Bobko, and Dr. Story Musgrave. The crew was nicknamed "The Geritol Bunch" because they had a lot of experience. Together, they had 111 years of flying experience!
During this mission, the crew did many experiments. They studied materials and recorded lightning. They also launched the first tracking and data relay satellite (TDRS-A).
Peterson and Musgrave made history by performing the Shuttle program's first extravehicular activity (EVA). An EVA is a spacewalk! They tested a new space suit, the Shuttle's airlock, and new tools. These tests were important for building and repairing things outside a spacecraft.
After 120 hours (5 days) in orbit, STS-6 landed at Edwards Air Force Base, California, on April 9, 1983. Donald Peterson spent 4 hours and 15 minutes on his spacewalk. He logged a total of 120 hours in space.
After NASA
Donald Peterson left the NASA Astronaut Corps in November 1984. He then worked as a consultant. He advised on manned aerospace operations.
Personal Life
Donald Peterson married Bonnie Ruth Love in 1957. They had three children. Bonnie passed away in 2017. Donald Peterson died on May 27, 2018, at his home in El Lago, Texas.
Honors and Awards
Donald Peterson received several awards for his service:
- Air Force Commendation Medal
- Meritorious Service Medal
- JSC Group Achievement Award (1972)
