Patricia Robertson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Patricia Robertson
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | March 12, 1963 |
| Died | May 24, 2001 (aged 38) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Physician |
| Space career | |
| NASA Astronaut | |
| Selection | 1998 NASA Group |
| Missions | None |
Patricia Consolatrix Hilliard Robertson (born March 12, 1963 – died May 24, 2001) was an amazing American doctor and a NASA astronaut. She was chosen to go to space and was training for a mission to the International Space Station. Sadly, she passed away in a plane crash just one year before her space journey was planned.
Contents
About Patricia Robertson
Patricia was born in Indiana, Pennsylvania. Her parents were Ilse Hilliard and the late Harold Hilliard. She grew up in Homer City. Patricia was married to Scott Robertson.
Her School Days
Patricia finished high school at Homer-Center High School in 1980. She then went to Indiana University of Pennsylvania. In 1985, she earned a degree in biology. She continued her studies and became a medical doctor in 1989. Later, she specialized in family medicine. She also studied space medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch and NASA Johnson Space Center. This special training helped her understand how space affects the human body.
Patricia's Medical Work
After becoming a doctor, Patricia worked in Erie, Pennsylvania. She helped train new medical students and doctors. In 1995, she was chosen for a special program. She studied aerospace medicine, which is about keeping astronauts healthy.
She researched how exercise could help astronauts stay strong in space. Patricia also taught at the University of Texas. In 1997, she joined the Flight Medicine Clinic at Johnson Space Center. Here, she took care of astronauts and their families. She also led a team that focused on astronauts' bones, muscles, and exercise.
Her Love for Flying
Patricia loved to fly planes. She was a flight instructor and enjoyed doing aerobatics, which are cool tricks in the air. She spent over 15,000 hours flying planes, often with her husband.
Becoming a NASA Astronaut
NASA chose Patricia to become an astronaut in June 1998. She started her training in August 1998. Her training was very intense! She learned all about the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station. She also had physical training and learned to fly the T-38 Talon jet. Patricia even learned survival skills for water and wilderness.
After her training, she helped with the Crew Healthcare System. She also supported the ISS Expedition 2 crew, making sure they had what they needed.
A Sad Farewell
.jpg)
Patricia passed away on May 24, 2001, in Houston, Texas. She was 38 years old. She was hurt in a private plane crash near Manvel, Texas on May 22, 2001. Patricia was living in Homer City and was getting ready for her space mission to the International Space Station the next year.
Groups She Belonged To
- Aerospace Medicine Association
- American Association of Family Practice
- Experimental Aircraft Association
- International Aerobatic Club
- Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
Awards and Recognition
- NASA Performance Award
- Young Investigator Award Finalist (Aerospace Medicine Association)
- IUP Distinguished Alumni Award, 2000
Her Legacy
- The Patricia Hilliard Robertson Center for Aviation Medicine at the Indiana Regional Medical Center is named in her honor.
See also
In Spanish: Patricia Robertson para niños
