William C. McCool facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William C. McCool
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William McCool in August 2001
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| Born | September 23, 1961 San Diego, California, U.S.
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| Died | February 1, 2003 (aged 41) Over Texas, U.S.
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| Other names | William Cameron McCool |
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| Space career | |
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Previous occupation
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Naval aviator, test pilot |
| Rank | Commander, USN |
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Time in space
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15d 22h 20m |
| Selection | 1996 NASA Group 16 |
| Missions | STS-107 |
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Mission insignia
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William Cameron McCool (born September 23, 1961 – died February 1, 2003) was an American astronaut and a brave pilot for the United States Navy. He was the pilot of the Space Shuttle Columbia on its STS-107 mission. Sadly, he and the other six crew members died when the Columbia broke apart as it returned to Earth. He was the youngest male astronaut on that mission. After his death, he was given the Congressional Space Medal of Honor for his service.
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About William McCool
William McCool was born on September 23, 1961, in San Diego, California. His mother later married Barent McCool, who was also a Navy pilot. William was very active in the Boy Scouts of America and earned the highest rank, Eagle Scout.
He loved music! His favorite song was "Imagine" by John Lennon, which was even played during his space mission. His favorite band was Radiohead, and their song "Fake Plastic Trees" was used as a wake-up call from Mission Control during his flight.
William McCool passed away on February 1, 2003, during the Space Shuttle Columbia accident. He left behind his wife, Lani, and their three sons. He is buried in Anacortes, Washington, where he lived.
Education and Learning
William McCool was a very smart student and loved to learn. Here's a look at his education:
- 1976–77: He went to John F. Kennedy High School in Tamuning, Guam.
- 1979: He graduated from Coronado High School in Lubbock, Texas.
- 1983: He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Science from the United States Naval Academy.
- 1985: He received a Master of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of Maryland, College Park.
- 1991: He graduated from the United States Naval Test Pilot School at Naval Air Station Patuxent River.
- 1992: He earned another Master of Science degree, this time in Aeronautical Engineering, from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.
Flying Adventures
William McCool became a Naval Aviator (a Navy pilot) in August 1986. He flew many different types of planes.
His first job was with Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 133 (VAQ-133). He went on two trips aboard the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea to the Mediterranean Sea. He also became a Landing Signal Officer (LSO), which means he helped pilots land safely on aircraft carriers.
After more training, he became a test pilot. He flew planes like the TA-4J and EA-6B. He helped test new parts and upgrades for these aircraft. Later, he returned to flying with Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 132 (VAQ-132) on the carrier USS Enterprise. While on the Enterprise, he found out he had been chosen by NASA to become an astronaut!
McCool was an amazing pilot. He flew for over 2,800 hours in 24 different types of aircraft. He also performed over 400 carrier landings, which are very difficult!
Becoming an Astronaut
NASA chose William McCool to be an astronaut in April 1996. He started his training at the Johnson Space Center in August 1996. After two years of hard work and training, he was ready to fly as a pilot. He also helped with computer support and worked on improving the Space Shuttle cockpit.
Space Mission: STS-107
McCool was the pilot for Space Shuttle mission STS-107. This mission lasted from January 16 to February 1, 2003. He spent 15 days, 22 hours, and 20 minutes in space!
The STS-107 flight was all about science and research. The crew worked 24 hours a day in two shifts. They successfully completed about 80 different experiments in space.
Sadly, the mission ended on February 1, 2003. The Space Shuttle Columbia broke apart as it returned to Earth, just 16 minutes before it was supposed to land. All seven astronauts on board were lost.
After his death, William McCool was honored with several awards, including the NASA Space Flight Medal, the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, and the Congressional Space Medal of Honor.
Special Recognitions
William McCool received many honors throughout his life and after:
- He was an Eagle Scout.
- He was the team captain for the U.S. Naval Academy Cross Country team in his final year.
- He graduated second in his class of 1,083 students at the U.S. Naval Academy in 1983.
- He received "Outstanding Student" and "Best DT-II Thesis" awards when he graduated from the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School.
- He was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal (twice) and the Navy Achievement Medal (twice).
Remembering William McCool
Many places and things have been named in honor of William McCool:
- An asteroid, 51829 Williemccool, is named after him.
- A crater on the Moon is named McCool.
- McCool Hill on Mars (in the Columbia Hills) is named after him.
- McCool Hall at the Florida Institute of Technology is named in his memory.
- A school in Santa Rita, Guam, was renamed CDR William C. McCool Elementary/Middle School.
- The track and field at Coronado High School in Lubbock, Texas, is called Willie McCool Track and Field.
- A bronze sculpture memorial was dedicated in Lubbock, Texas, in 2005.
- The Commander William C. McCool Academy, a STEM middle school, opened in Lubbock, Texas, in 2020.
- The William McCool Science Center in Henderson, Nevada, helps elementary students learn about space and science.
- A village in the Philippines is named "USN Commander Willie McCool GK Village."
- In a Star Trek book, a shuttlecraft is named the McCool.
- McCool Track at the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Rhode Island is named after him.
- A starport in the game Elite: Dangerous is named "McCool City."
- A monument was dedicated at the U.S. Naval Academy Golf Course in 2007.
- The Willie McCool Memorial Model Air Field park in North Las Vegas, Nevada, was named for him.
- McCool Hall at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma, is a Navy living quarters named after him.
- Camp McCool in Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, was a base for EA-6B Prowler Squadrons.
- The FAA named a navigation point (MCCUL) near Naval Air Station Whidbey Island after him.
- The McCool Breakthrough Award is given to people who make important discoveries.
See also
In Spanish: William McCool para niños
- List of Eagle Scouts
- List of spaceflight-related accidents and incidents
- Space Shuttle Columbia disaster
