Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger
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| Born |
Dorothy Marie Metcalf
May 15, 1975 |
| Space career | |
| NASA astronaut | |
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Time in space
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15d 2h 47m |
| Selection | NASA Group 19 (2004) |
| Missions | STS-131 |
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Mission insignia
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Dorothy Marie "Dottie" Metcalf-Lindenburger (born May 2, 1975) is a retired American astronaut. Before becoming an astronaut, she was a science teacher. She taught at Hudson's Bay High School in Vancouver, Washington.
In 2004, NASA chose her to be an Educator Astronaut. She was the first person who had attended United States Space Camp to become an astronaut. This shows that dreams can come true!
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Early Life and School
Dorothy Metcalf was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Her parents are Joyce and Keith Metcalf.
She went to Fort Collins High School. Then, she studied geology at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington. Geology is the study of Earth's rocks and how they are formed.
During her college summers, she did research. She studied ancient glaciers in Wyoming. She also mapped rocks in Colorado. She graduated from Whitman College in 1997.
After college, Dottie became a teacher. She got her teaching certificate in 1999. She taught earth science and astronomy for five years. She also coached cross-country running and Science Olympiad.
In 2000, she married Jason Lindenburger. They also have a daughter. In 2016, she earned a master's degree in geology.
Dottie is a member of several groups. These include the National Education Association and The Mars Generation.
Awards and Recognitions
Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger has received many honors. Here are some of them:
- 2007 Space Camp Hall of Fame Inaugural Inductee
- 1999 Outstanding Teacher Preparation Candidate at Central Washington University
- 1997 Whitman College Leed's Geology Award
- 1997 Whitman College Order of the Waiilatpu
- 1996 GSA Field Camp Award
- 1995–1996 NAIA Academic All-American in Cross Country and Track
- 1996 NAIA Conference Champion in the 10K
Becoming a NASA Astronaut
NASA chose Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger as an astronaut candidate in May 2004. Astronaut training is very tough! It includes many things:
- Learning about the Space Shuttle
- Studying the International Space Station (ISS)
- Physical training to prepare for space
- Flying in T-38 jets
- Learning how to survive in water and wilderness
She finished this training in February 2006. This made her a qualified NASA Astronaut.
In April 2010, she flew on her first space mission. It was called STS-131. This Space Shuttle mission went to the International Space Station. The main cargo was a special module to carry supplies.
Dottie also has a musical talent! In 2009, she sang the national anthem at a Houston Astros baseball game. This was to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing. She was also the lead singer for "Max Q", an all-astronaut rock band.
In 2012, NASA announced another exciting mission for her. Dottie commanded the NEEMO 16 mission. This mission took place in an underwater laboratory. It was like living in space, but underwater! The crew lived underwater for twelve days. They became "aquanauts" after spending over 24 hours below the surface.
Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger retired from NASA on June 13, 2014. She now lives and works in the Seattle area.
Her Space Mission: STS-131
The STS-131 mission was on the Space Shuttle Discovery. It launched at night from Kennedy Space Center, Florida. The mission lasted 15 days, 2 hours, and 47 minutes.
When they arrived at the ISS, the crew delivered over 27,000 pounds of supplies. This included a tank of ammonia coolant. It took three spacewalks to connect it. They also brought new sleeping quarters for the crew.
On the way back, the Leonardo module was filled with over 6,000 pounds of old equipment and trash. The Discovery traveled over 6 million miles and orbited Earth 238 times during this mission.
See also
In Spanish: Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger para niños
