John D. Olivas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Danny Olivas
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John Daniel Olivas
May 25, 1966 Los Angeles, California, U.S.
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| Space career | |
| NASA astronaut | |
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Time in space
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27d 17h 5m |
| Selection | NASA Group 17 (1998) |
| Missions | STS-117 STS-128 |
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Mission insignia
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| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Materials science |
| Thesis | Surface Study of Process Contamination of Plasma Spray Metal Deposition Process (1996) |
| Doctoral advisor | Enrique Barrera |
John Daniel "Danny" Olivas, born on May 25, 1966, is an American engineer and a former astronaut for NASA. He flew on two exciting space shuttle missions, STS-117 and STS-128. During these missions, he spent a lot of time outside the spacecraft on spacewalks, also known as EVAs (Extra-vehicular activities). In total, he spent over 34 hours spacewalking!
After his time as an astronaut, Danny Olivas started working at the University of Texas at El Paso in 2013. He became the Director of the Center for the Advancement of Space Safety and Mission Assurance Research (CASSMAR). In this role, he helps lead new space projects and research at the university.
Contents
Danny Olivas's Early Life and Education
Danny Olivas was born in North Hollywood, California, but grew up in El Paso, Texas. He loved learning and went to college to study engineering.
Getting Ready for Space
He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Texas at El Paso in 1989. Then, he continued his studies, getting a Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Houston in 1993. Finally, he earned a doctorate (PhD) in mechanical engineering and materials science from Rice University in 1996. All this education helped him become a skilled engineer, ready for the challenges of space.
Beyond Space: A TV Appearance
In 2019, Danny Olivas even appeared on a TV show! He was a contestant on the Nickelodeon show Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?.
Becoming a NASA Astronaut
NASA chose Danny Olivas to become an astronaut in 1998. This was a big step in his career!
Intense Astronaut Training
His training was very thorough. It included many briefings about science and technology. He learned all about the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station (ISS). He also had to get his body ready for space with special physical training. Danny learned how to fly a T-38 jet and even practiced survival skills for water and wilderness environments.
Working with Robots and Spacewalks
From 1999 to 2002, Danny worked with robots. He was in charge of the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator Robot and the Mobile Transporter. These robots help build and maintain the Space Station.
Later, from 2002 to 2005, he joined the EVA (spacewalk) team. He helped research new materials, tools, and ways to fix the Space Shuttle while it was in orbit.
Living Underwater for Training
To prepare for spacewalks, astronauts sometimes train underwater. Danny Olivas was an "aquanaut" during two special missions:
- In July 2002, he was part of the NEEMO 3 mission. He lived in the Aquarius underwater laboratory.
- In April 2005, he was a crew member on the NEEMO 8 mission.
These underwater missions help astronauts practice working in a weightless environment.
Danny Olivas's Space Missions
Danny Olivas flew on two important Space Shuttle missions.
STS-117: Fixing the Shuttle in Space
His first mission was STS-117 aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis. It launched on June 8, 2007. This was the 118th Shuttle mission and the 21st time a Shuttle visited the International Space Station.
What STS-117 Accomplished
- The crew delivered a new part of the space station's structure.
- They brought up new solar arrays (like giant solar panels) and batteries to help power the station.
- Most excitingly, this mission included the first-ever spacewalk to repair the Space Shuttle Atlantis while it was in orbit! Danny Olivas was a key part of this.
- During two spacewalks, Danny spent 14 hours and 13 minutes working outside the Shuttle.
The mission lasted 13 days, 20 hours, and 20 minutes, traveling over 5.8 million miles!
STS-128: Delivering Supplies to the ISS
Danny Olivas served as a mission specialist on his second space mission, STS-128. This mission launched on August 28, 2009, aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery.
What STS-128 Accomplished
- Discovery carried a special module called the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module. This module was filled with science experiments and storage racks for the ISS.
- The mission included three spacewalks. During these spacewalks, astronauts removed and replaced an experiment outside the ESA's Columbus module. They also brought back an empty ammonia tank.
See also
In Spanish: John D. Olivas para niños
- List of Hispanic astronauts
