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 retired Navy pilot, engineer, and former NASA astronaut. He was born on September 14, 1958, and is a member of the Chickasaw Nation. In 2002, Herrington made history as the first person from a recognized Native American tribe to travel into space.
Contents
Early Life and Education
John Herrington was born in Wetumka, Oklahoma, and is part of the Chickasaw Nation. 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 became very interested in rock climbing in the mountains. He earned a college degree in applied mathematics from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. In 1984, he joined the United States Navy.
To honor his Chickasaw heritage, Herrington carried the Chickasaw Nation's flag into space. The flag was given to him by Governor Bill Anoatubby. In 2014, he earned his PhD in education from the University of Idaho.
Herrington officially joined the U.S. Navy in March 1984. He became a Naval Aviator, or pilot, in March 1985. He then trained to fly the P-3C Orion aircraft.
His first job was with Patrol Squadron Forty-Eight (VP-48). He went on three missions, flying to the Northern Pacific and Western Pacific. During this time, he became a Patrol Plane Commander and Instructor Pilot.
Later, Herrington was chosen to attend the United States Naval Test Pilot School. After graduating, he became a project test pilot. He flew many different types of aircraft, including various P-3 Orion planes. He also flew the T-34C and the de Havilland Canada Dash 7.
In 1995, he earned a Master of Science degree in aeronautical engineering. Before becoming an astronaut, he worked as a special projects officer for the Navy.
During his time in the military, he received several awards. These included the Navy Commendation Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.
NASA Career
NASA chose John Herrington to be an astronaut in April 1996. He started his training at the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in August 1996. After two years of training, he became qualified as a mission specialist.
He worked in the Astronaut Office, helping with Space Shuttle launch preparations. He also assisted with operations after the Shuttle landed.
Spaceflight Mission
Herrington was a mission specialist for STS-113. This was the sixteenth Space Shuttle mission to the International Space Station. The Space Shuttle Endeavour launched on November 23, 2002.
The mission's main goal was to deliver a large part called the P1 Truss to the Space Station. This part helps support the Station's radiators. Endeavour also brought a new crew, Expedition 6, to the Station. It returned to Earth on December 7, 2002, with the Expedition 5 crew. The entire mission lasted 13 days, 18 hours, and 47 minutes.
During his time in space, Herrington performed three spacewalks. These spacewalks lasted a total of 19 hours and 55 minutes. These spacewalks are honored on the back of the 2019 Sacagawea dollar coin.
Underwater Training
In July 2004, Herrington led the NEEMO 6 mission. This mission took place in the Aquarius underwater laboratory. He lived and worked underwater for ten days. This training helps astronauts prepare for space missions.
Herrington retired from both the Navy and NASA in July 2005.
After NASA
In September 2005, Herrington joined Rocketplane Limited, Inc. He became the Vice President and Director of Flight Operations. He was also planned to be a pilot for the XP Spaceplane. He also helped the Center for Space Studies at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.
In December 2007, Herrington left Rocketplane. He decided to focus on public speaking and working with the Chickasaw Nation.
Cross-Country Bike Ride
In 2008, Herrington went on a long bicycle ride across the United States. He rode from Cape Flattery, Washington, to Cape Canaveral, Florida. The journey took three months, from August 13 to November 15, 2008.
Honors and Awards
John Herrington has received many honors for his achievements.
- In 2002, he was inducted into the Chickasaw Hall of Fame.
- In 2017, he was inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame. This is located at the San Diego Air & Space Museum.
- In 2018, he became one of the first people inducted into the National Native American Hall of Fame.
Speaking Engagements
Today, John Herrington travels around the country. He speaks to students, teachers, and businesses. He shares his unique experiences in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), and aviation.
See also
In Spanish: John Herrington para niños
