John Herrington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Herrington
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Herrington in 2002
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| Born |
John Bennett Herrington
September 14, 1958 |
| Nationality | Chickasaw Nation, American |
| Awards | Chickasaw Hall of Fame (2002) |
| Space career | |
| NASA astronaut | |
| Rank | Commander, USN |
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Time in space
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13d 18h 47m |
| Selection | NASA Group 16 (1996) |
| Missions | STS-113 |
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Mission insignia
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John Bennett Herrington is a remarkable American astronaut and a retired United States Naval Aviator. He made history in 2002 by becoming the first enrolled citizen of a Native American tribe to fly into space. Herrington is a proud member of the Chickasaw Nation, and his journey from Oklahoma to the International Space Station inspires many.
Contents
John Herrington: A Pioneer in Space
Early Life and Learning
John Herrington was born in Wetumka, Oklahoma, on September 14, 1958. He grew up in different places like Colorado Springs, Colorado; Riverton, Wyoming; and Plano, Texas. He finished high school in Plano. After moving to Colorado, he discovered a love for rock climbing in the mountains.
He earned a bachelor's degree in applied mathematics from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. In 1984, he joined the United States Navy. Later, in 2014, he completed his PhD in education from the University of Idaho.
To honor his heritage, Herrington, a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation, carried their flag with him on his thirteen-day trip to space. The Governor of the Chickasaw Nation, Bill Anoatubby, personally gave him the flag.
John Herrington began his Navy career in March 1984. He became a Naval Aviator in March 1985, which means he learned to fly planes for the Navy. He trained to fly the P-3C Orion aircraft, which is used for patrol missions.
He served in Patrol Squadron Forty-Eight (VP-48), completing three deployments. These missions took him to places like the Northern Pacific (from Alaska) and the Western Pacific (from the Philippines). During this time, he became a skilled pilot, leading missions and training others.
Later, Herrington was chosen to attend the United States Naval Test Pilot School. After graduating, he became a project test pilot, flying many different types of aircraft to test their performance. He also earned a Master of Science degree in aeronautical engineering in 1995. Before being selected as an astronaut, he worked on special projects for the Navy.
During his time in the military, he received several awards, including the Navy Commendation Medal.
Journey to NASA and Space
NASA selected John Herrington as an astronaut in April 1996. He moved to the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in August 1996. For two years, he trained and was evaluated, eventually qualifying as a mission specialist. He worked in the Astronaut Office, helping with Space Shuttle launch preparations and post-landing operations.
His Historic Space Mission: STS-113
John Herrington flew into space as a mission specialist for STS-113. This was the sixteenth Space Shuttle mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The Endeavour launched on November 23, 2002, from Kennedy Space Center. Its main job was to deliver a large part called the P1 Truss segment, which helps support the Space Station's radiators.
The Endeavour also brought a new crew, Expedition 6, to the Station. It returned to Earth on December 7, 2002, bringing back the Expedition 5 crew after their six-month stay in space. The entire mission lasted 13 days, 18 hours, and 47 minutes.
During this mission, Herrington performed three spacewalks, spending a total of 19 hours and 55 minutes outside the Space Station. These amazing spacewalks are even shown on the back of the 2019 Sacagawea dollar coin!
Living Underwater: NEEMO 6
In July 2004, before he retired from NASA, Herrington led the NEEMO 6 mission. This mission took place in the Aquarius underwater laboratory. He and his team lived and worked underwater for ten days, simulating conditions similar to space missions.
Herrington retired from the Navy and NASA in July 2005.
Biking Across America
In 2008, John Herrington went on an incredible cross-country bicycle ride across the United States. He started at Cape Flattery, Washington, and rode all the way to Cape Canaveral, Florida. This amazing journey took him three months, from August 13 to November 15, 2008.
Awards and Recognition
John Herrington has received many honors for his achievements. In 2002, he was inducted into the Chickasaw Hall of Fame. In 2017, he joined the International Air & Space Hall of Fame at the San Diego Air & Space Museum. The National Native American Hall of Fame also inducted him in 2018.
Inspiring Future Explorers
Today, John Herrington travels around the country. He speaks to students, teachers, and organizations. He shares his unique experiences in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), and his adventures in aviation and space. He inspires many young people to pursue their dreams.
See also
In Spanish: John Herrington para niños
