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Rick Husband
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Richard Douglas Husband (July 12, 1957 – February 1, 2003) was an American astronaut and fighter pilot. He traveled into space twice: as pilot of STS-96 and commander of STS-107. Husband and the rest of the crew of STS-107 were killed when Columbia disintegrated during reentry into the Earth's atmosphere. He is also a recipient of the Congressional Space Medal of Honor.

Key Information

Early life, education and training

[edit]

Husband was born on July 12, 1957, in Amarillo, Texas.[1] At age 17, he earned his pilot's license while flying out of Tradewind Airport. Husband graduated with honors from Amarillo High School in 1975.

Husband earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Texas Tech University in 1980 after five years of study. He earned his Master of Science degree from Fresno State University. Upon graduation, Husband was commissioned as a pilot in the United States Air Force, having been enrolled in ROTC his last two years of college. Husband underwent pilot training at Vance Air Force Base, in Enid, Oklahoma. This was followed by Land Survival School at Fairchild Air Force Base, in Spokane, Washington, and Fighter Lead-in School in New Mexico. After he got married on February 27, 1982, Husband trained in the F-4 at Homestead Air Force Base next.[2]

U.S. Air Force career

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Husband was assigned to a squadron at Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, Georgia, flying the F-4E. He then transferred to George AFB, in Victorville, California in December 1985, where Husband became an F-4 instructor. By then, he had accumulated 1000 hours of flying time.[2]: 30, 32 

In December 1987, Husband was assigned to Edwards Air Force Base in California, where he attended the USAF Test Pilot School class 88A along with future Canadian Space Agency astronaut Chris Hadfield. Upon completion of test pilot school, Husband served as a test pilot flying the F-4 and all five models of the F-15 Eagle. In the F-15 Combined Test Force, he was the program manager for the Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 increased performance engine and also served as the F-15 Aerial Demonstration Pilot.

In June 1992, Husband was assigned to the Aircraft and Armament Evaluation Establishment at Boscombe Down, England, as an exchange test pilot with the Royal Air Force. At Boscombe Down, he was the Tornado GR1 and GR4 Project Pilot and served as a test pilot in the Hawk, Hunter, Buccaneer, Jet Provost, Tucano, and Harvard.

Husband logged over 3,800 hours of flight time in more than 40 different types of aircraft.[1]

NASA career

[edit]

Husband was selected as an astronaut candidate by NASA in December 1994, the same week he was promoted to lieutenant colonel.[2]: 67  Husband reported to the Johnson Space Center in March 1995 to begin a year of training and evaluation. Upon completion of training, he was named the Astronaut Office representative for Advanced Projects at Johnson Space Center, working on Space Shuttle Upgrades, the Crew Return Vehicle (CRV) and studies to return to the Moon and travel to Mars. Husband eventually served as Chief of Safety for the Astronaut Office. In 1999, he flew as pilot on STS-96 and logged 235 hours and 13 minutes in space. Husband was later assigned to command the crew of STS-107, which was launched early in 2003. Along with the rest of the STS-107 crew, he was killed upon reentry when the shuttle disintegrated over Texas.

Shuttle missions

[edit]
Pilot (PLT) Rick D. Husband (left) and EVA Specialist Tamara E. Jernigan (right) during STS-96
  • STS-96 (May 27 to June 6, 1999) aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery was a 10-day mission during which the crew performed the first docking with the International Space Station and delivered four tons of logistics and supplies in preparation for the arrival of the first crew to live on the station early the following year. The mission was accomplished in 153 Earth orbits, traveling 4 million miles in 9 days, 19 hours and 13 minutes.
Commander (CDR) Rick D. Husband (left) and Payload Specialist (PS) Ilan Ramon (right) during STS-107
  • STS-107 (January 16 to February 1, 2003) aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia was a 16-day mission during which the crew performed over 80 experiments testing applications of microgravity to gain insight into the environment of space and improve life on Earth as well as enable future space exploration. The mission ended on the morning of February 1 when the shuttle disintegrated upon reentry killing all crew members, including Husband (see Space Shuttle Columbia disaster).

Awards and decorations

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US Air Force Command Astronaut Badge
Defense Distinguished Service Medal (posthumous)
Meritorious Service Medal with two bronze oak leaf clusters
Aerial Achievement Medal
Air Force Commendation Medal
Congressional Space Medal of Honor (posthumous)
NASA Distinguished Service Medal (posthumous)
NASA Space Flight Medal (posthumous)
National Defense Service Medal
Air Force Longevity Service Award with two oak leaf clusters
Air Force Training Ribbon

Two NASA Group Achievement Awards.[3][1]

Tributes

[edit]
Statue of Rick Husband at Amarillo International Airport

Personal life

[edit]
Husband's Camaro on display at Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport

Husband's wife, Evelyn (born September 18, 1958), details her Christian life with Rick and his struggles to fulfill his lifelong dream to become an astronaut in the 2004 book High Calling: The Courageous Life and Faith of Space Shuttle Columbia Commander Rick Husband co-written with Donna VanLiere. They had two children together: Laura Marie (born October 5, 1990) and Matthew (born August 3, 1995). Evelyn married Bill Thompson in January 2008 and was the keynote speaker for the memorial ceremony at the Astronaut Memorial "Space Mirror" at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, five years after the Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy.[7]

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See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Rick Husband

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Rick Douglas Husband (July 12, 1957 – February 1, 2003) was an American , U.S. , and . He flew in space twice, serving as pilot on the 1999 mission aboard Space Shuttle Discovery—the first shuttle flight to dock with the —and as commander of the 2003 mission aboard Space Shuttle Columbia, a dedicated microgravity flight. Husband died at age 45, along with the six other crew members, when Columbia disintegrated during re-entry over the due to damage sustained during launch. Born in Amarillo, Texas, Husband developed a passion for aviation early in life, earning his private pilot's license at age 17 while assisting with crop-dusting operations. He graduated from Amarillo High School in 1975 and earned a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Texas Tech University in 1980. Later, while serving in the Air Force, he obtained a Master of Science in mechanical engineering from California State University, Fresno, in 1990. Husband was married to Evelyn Neely (now Thompson) from February 27, 1982, until his death, and they had two children, daughter Laura and son Matthew. Husband's military career began after his commissioning as a in the U.S. upon graduating from Texas Tech; he completed undergraduate pilot training at Reese Air Force Base in and in . He flew F-4 Phantom II aircraft at in Georgia, then served as an F-4 instructor pilot and flight examiner at in . In December 1987, he attended the U.S. Test Pilot School (Class 88A) at , , graduating in 1988, after which he conducted flight tests on F-15 and F-16 aircraft focusing on and flight controls, including an exchange tour with the Royal Air Force in 1992. He logged over 3,800 flight hours in more than 40 aircraft types. Selected as a astronaut candidate in December 1994, Husband began training at in March 1995, completing the one-year program and qualifying for shuttle flight assignments. He handled technical duties in the Astronaut Office, including as chief of the Shuttle Branch, representative for crew equipment, and lead for shuttle avionics integration. On (launched May 27, 1999; 9-day mission), he piloted Discovery, which delivered nearly 4,000 pounds of equipment to the ISS and tested procedures for future station assembly. As commander of (launched , ), Husband oversaw a crew of seven conducting 80 microgravity experiments in life sciences, , and during the 16-day flight.

Early Life and Education

Childhood and Family

Richard Douglas Husband was born on July 12, 1957, in , to parents Douglas Earl Husband, a naval aviator who served as a pilot during the , and Jane Virginia (Barbagallo) Husband. As the younger of two sons—his brother Keith later became a commercial airline pilot—Husband grew up in a family deeply influenced by , with his father's military service and stories of flight fostering an early environment of encouragement and support for his ambitions. The family's strong bonds provided a stable foundation, emphasizing values that would shape his disciplined approach to life and career. Husband's fascination with aviation and space began in early childhood, sparked at age four when he watched Gus Grissom's launch on television in 1961, an event that ignited his dream of becoming an —a goal he articulated as early as . Growing up in Amarillo, he was captivated by the sight of airplanes flying overhead, drawing inspiration from his father's piloting background and the era's triumphs, including the Apollo moon landings, which he later cited as key motivators. By his early teens, this interest had deepened into hands-on experience; at age 17, shortly before high school graduation, he earned his private pilot's license at Tradewind Airport in Amarillo, often flying a alongside his mother. These formative exposures laid the groundwork for his lifelong pursuit of flight and exploration. Husband excelled academically during his school years in Amarillo, demonstrating particular aptitude in and that aligned with his aspirations in and . He graduated with honors from Amarillo High School in 1975, marking the culmination of his early education and the transition toward higher pursuits in these fields.

Academic and Professional Training

Rick Husband pursued higher education at in , where he earned a degree in in 1980 after five years of study. During his time there, he participated actively in the Air Force ROTC program and ultimately graduated as a distinguished graduate. His involvement in ROTC included leadership roles that honed his discipline and commitment to military service, while his engineering coursework featured practical projects that built his technical expertise, such as those recognized by his induction into the engineering honor society. Upon completing his degree, Husband was commissioned as a in the U.S. Air Force in May 1980, transitioning directly from academia into military preparation without intervening civilian employment. Later, while serving in the , he advanced his education by earning a degree in from , in 1990. This graduate program focused on advanced topics in engineering design and , further equipping him with analytical skills essential for complex and roles.

Military Career

Enlistment and Early Service

Rick Douglas Husband was commissioned as a in the U.S. through the ROTC program upon earning his degree in from in May 1980. His engineering background provided a strong foundation for the technical demands of . Following commissioning, he entered Undergraduate Pilot Training at Vance Air Force Base in , where he completed the program and earned his pilot wings in October 1981. Husband then proceeded to specialized training on the F-4 Phantom II at Homestead Air Force Base, , finishing the course in 1982. His initial operational assignment was with the 347th Tactical Fighter Wing at , Georgia, where he served as an F-4E pilot from 1982 to 1985. During this period, he accumulated over 1,000 flight hours in the F-4, honing his skills in tactical fighter operations. In 1984, Husband was promoted to captain. He subsequently attended F-4 Instructor School at Homestead Air Force Base in 1985 before transferring to , , as an F-4E aircraft commander, instructor pilot, and academic instructor from late 1985 to 1987. In this role, he trained new pilots and participated in joint exercises, building foundational expertise that supported his later advancements in .

Advanced Roles and Test Piloting

Husband's early experience as an F-4 instructor pilot at honed the skills that propelled him into more advanced aviation roles within the U.S. Air Force. In 1987, he was selected for the prestigious U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School at , , entering class 88A. He completed the rigorous program in 1988, graduating as a distinguished graduate, which recognized his exceptional performance in and analysis. Upon graduation, Husband transitioned to an elite position with the F-15 Combined Test Force at Edwards, serving from 1988 to 1992. In this role, he flew all five variants of the F-15 Eagle, conducting critical flight tests on upgrades, weapons integration, and propulsion systems to enhance the aircraft's capabilities. Notably, he served as program manager for the F100-PW-229 increased-performance engine project, overseeing evaluations that improved engine thrust and reliability for operational deployment. Husband also acted as the F-15 Aerial Demonstration Pilot for the California Air Show, performing high-precision maneuvers that demonstrated the fighter's advanced handling characteristics to public and military audiences. During his tenure at Edwards, Husband was promoted to major in 1991, reflecting his growing in test operations. He assumed additional responsibilities, including coordinating test activities within the F-15 program, which further solidified his reputation for technical expertise and operational innovation. In June 1992, Husband was assigned as an exchange with the Royal Air Force at Boscombe Down, , where he served with No. 191 Tri-National Test and Evaluation Squadron until 1994, conducting flight tests on the GR1 and GR4, Harrier, and aircraft. By the end of his military career, Husband had accumulated over 3,000 flight hours across more than 40 aircraft types.

NASA Career

Selection and Astronaut Training

Husband was selected by as an candidate in December 1994, becoming one of 19 individuals chosen for the agency's 15th astronaut group, which included 10 pilots and nine mission specialists. His background as a U.S. test pilot, with over 3,800 flight hours in more than 40 aircraft types, was a critical qualification that distinguished him during the rigorous selection process. This marked the fulfillment of a lifelong dream after four applications to the program. The same week, he received a promotion to in the . In March 1995, Husband reported to in , to commence astronaut candidate training. The program spanned one year and encompassed intensive instruction in essential skills for operations. Candidates like Husband attended classes on applied sciences, and systems, , and survival techniques, while gaining hands-on experience in high-fidelity simulations. Key components of the training included achieving proficiency in flying T-38 Talon jet trainers to maintain piloting skills, conducting spacewalk simulations in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory to prepare for extravehicular activities, and operating the shuttle's for payload deployment and retrieval tasks. Upon completing the initial year of evaluation in 1996, Husband was qualified as an and assigned as the Astronaut Office representative for advanced projects, where he contributed to space shuttle upgrades, crew return vehicle development, and preliminary studies for and Mars missions.

Pre-Flight Contributions and Roles

Upon completing his in 1996, Husband was assigned as the Astronaut Office representative for Advanced Projects at NASA's . In this role, he contributed to enhancements in Space Shuttle systems, including evaluations of upgrades to improve operational efficiency and reliability. He also supported the development of the , a proposed autonomous craft designed to provide emergency evacuation capabilities for crews in the event of medical or other emergencies. Additionally, Husband participated in conceptual studies exploring NASA's long-term goals, such as architectural planning for potential returns to the Moon and initial human missions to Mars, helping to shape technical requirements for future exploration vehicles. In 2001, Husband was appointed Chief of Safety for the Astronaut Office, a position in which he led efforts to identify and mitigate risks associated with operations. This involved overseeing safety audits, developing protocols for crew procedures, and collaborating with engineering teams to address potential hazards in mission planning and vehicle integration. His leadership in this capacity emphasized proactive , drawing on his extensive experience to enhance the overall within the astronaut corps. During his NASA tenure, Husband advanced in his military career, receiving a promotion to in the United States , recognizing his sustained leadership and contributions to both and endeavors. This rank underscored his dual role as an active-duty officer balancing NASA responsibilities with obligations.

Space Missions

STS-96: Pilot on Discovery

STS-96, launched on May 27, 1999, aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery, marked Rick Husband's first spaceflight as the mission's pilot. The 9-day mission, concluding with 154 Earth orbits and covering approximately 4 million miles, was a pivotal logistics and resupply operation for the nascent International Space Station (ISS). The primary objectives centered on delivering the Italian-built Leonardo logistics module, filled with over 4,000 pounds of supplies, equipment, tools, and personal items for future station crews, to the ISS. This included water transfers, scientific experiments, and preparations for the station's first long-duration residents. As pilot, Husband played a key role in the rendezvous and docking maneuvers, assisting Commander Kent V. Rominger in aligning Discovery with the ISS on May 29, 1999—the first such docking by a space shuttle. From the aft flight deck, Husband manually controlled the orbiter during the undocking separation, navigating within a precise corridor to ensure safe departure while preserving the station's orbit. Husband's contributions extended to the mission's re-entry and landing phases, where he supported flight operations from the forward flight deck, monitoring systems and controls as Discovery descended through the atmosphere. The shuttle touched down smoothly at on June 6, 1999, at 2:02 a.m. EDT, after a re-entry. Through this flight, Husband logged 235 hours and 13 minutes , contributing to the successful transfer of approximately 700 pounds (84 gallons) of and the installation of critical equipment during one (EVA) by the crew. Mission highlights included not only the historic ISS docking but also the deployment and retrieval of the Spartan solar observatory satellite, which gathered data on the Sun's corona. In post-flight accounts, Husband highlighted the profound sense of and the awe-inspiring orbital perspective, underscoring the mission's role in advancing human .

STS-107: Commander on Columbia and Disaster

Rick Douglas Husband served as commander of the mission, launched aboard Space Shuttle Columbia on January 16, 2003, from in , marking his second spaceflight after piloting in 1999. The crew consisted of seven members: Husband as commander, as pilot, as payload commander, and mission specialists , , and Laurel B. Clark, along with from the . Planned as a 16-day dedicated microgravity research flight, the mission orbited Earth at an inclination of 28.5 degrees, conducting operations without docking to any . The primary objectives of STS-107 focused on over 80 scientific experiments spanning , physics, , and observations, housed primarily in the SPACEHAB Research Double Module (RDM)—the first flight of this configuration in the shuttle's payload bay. These investigations included commercial payloads with 21 studies, four payloads encompassing 14 experiments, and others advancing understanding of phenomena like , combustion in microgravity, and . As , Husband oversaw crew coordination, ensuring efficient execution of the demanding schedule, and personally handled key flight operations such as orbital maneuvers to maintain the mission's altitude and orientation for optimal experiment conditions. During ascent on launch day, a briefcase-sized piece of foam insulation detached from the external tank's bipod ramp and struck the underside of Columbia's left wing, damaging several reinforced carbon-carbon panels on the and underlying thermal protection tiles, though the crew was unaware of the issue at the time. The mission proceeded nominally for 15 days, with the crew completing the majority of experiments and transmitting data to ground control. On February 1, 2003, during re-entry into Earth's atmosphere over and , superheated gases penetrated the compromised wing structure, causing structural failure and the shuttle's breakup at approximately 8:59 a.m. EST, scattering across 2,000 miles and resulting in the loss of all seven crew members. Husband's final radio transmission to Mission Control, acknowledging a routine call, was "Roger, uh bu...," followed by the sudden loss of telemetry and voice communications about 16 minutes before the scheduled landing at . The (CAIB), established by and the U.S. government, released its comprehensive report in August 2003, determining that the foam strike was the , exacerbated by 's that normalized foam shedding risks and dismissed concerns during the mission. Key findings highlighted systemic flaws, including inadequate damage assessment protocols and communication breakdowns between engineers and management. The report's 29 recommendations prompted major reforms, such as redesigning the external tank to eliminate foam shedding, enhancing in-orbit repair capabilities, and restructuring 's oversight to foster independent technical authority and .

Legacy

Awards and Honors

Rick Husband earned numerous military decorations for his service as a U.S. officer and . These included the Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, recognizing exceptional meritorious achievement or service; the ; the Air Force Commendation Medal, awarded for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service; and the . In his NASA career, Husband received the twice—once for piloting aboard in 1999 and posthumously for commanding aboard Columbia in 2003—honoring his contributions to . He was also awarded two NASA Group Achievement Awards for his work on the X-38 development team and the Upgrade Definition Team. Following the tragedy, Husband was posthumously honored with the in 2003 for exceptionally meritorious service to the agency, the from the Department of Defense, and the on February 3, 2004, the highest U.S. government award for spaceflight, presented by President for his distinguished courage and service in space.

Memorials and Tributes

Following the Columbia disaster, numerous public memorials and tributes were established to honor Rick Husband's contributions to . In April 2003, the Amarillo City Commission renamed the local airport as , recognizing his roots in the city and his role as commander of STS-107. A bronze statue of Husband was unveiled at the airport in January 2004, depicting him in his flight suit and inscribed with words reflecting his dedication to aviation and service. An additional statue stands downtown in Amarillo, near the Potter County Courthouse, serving as a focal point for community remembrances. At NASA's Johnson Space Center, a memorial service was held on February 4, 2003, attended by President George W. Bush and thousands of mourners, paying tribute to Husband and the STS-107 crew. This event underscored Husband's legacy within the astronaut community, with ongoing annual Day of Remembrance ceremonies at the center honoring fallen NASA personnel, including wreath-layings and reflective gatherings. In 2023, marking the 20th anniversary of the disaster, Amarillo hosted commemorative events, including a wreath-laying by a NASA representative at the airport statue and a moment of silence at Amarillo High School, Husband's alma mater. Similar observances continued in 2025 during NASA's annual Day of Remembrance on January 23, featuring tributes across NASA sites and a wreath-laying at Arlington National Cemetery, where Husband is interred. Educational tributes perpetuate Husband's influence on STEM fields. The Rick Husband Scholarship Fund, established at —his undergraduate —supports students, reflecting his 1980 degree in the discipline. Other honors include the Husband-Boeing Engineering Honors Program at , where he earned his , and Husband Hall at the . remembrance exhibits, such as the "Forever Remembered" display at opened in 2015, feature personal artifacts from Husband, including his cowboy boots and Bible, to educate visitors on the crew's mission and sacrifices. Additionally, the "From Amarillo to Outer Space" exhibit at , unveiled in 2018 and expanded since, showcases -loaned items like crew patches and flight models to highlight his journey.

Personal Life

Family and Relationships

Rick Husband married Evelyn Neely on February 27, 1982, in Amarillo, Texas. Both hailing from Amarillo, they attended the same high school and reconnected while studying at Texas Tech University, where Evelyn earned a Bachelor of Arts in telecommunications. Evelyn provided steadfast support throughout Husband's military and NASA career, managing family relocations across multiple bases, including Homestead Air Force Base in Florida, Moody Air Force Base in Georgia, George and Edwards Air Force Bases in California, Boscombe Down in England, and finally the Houston area in 1995 after his selection as an astronaut. The couple welcomed two children: daughter Laura Marie, born on October 5, 1990, and son Matthew, born on August 3, 1995. The family balanced the challenges of frequent military moves with a close-knit home life, eventually settling in the Houston suburb of , near NASA's , which allowed Husband to prioritize time with his wife and children despite his rigorous training and assignments. Husband's family offered unwavering support during his NASA selection process in 1994 and subsequent space missions, with Evelyn encouraging his pursuit of a childhood dream to fly in space. During and , the family stayed connected through emails and videoconferences, maintaining normalcy for the children amid the excitement and anxiety of the launches. Following the Columbia disaster, Evelyn emerged as a public speaker, sharing insights into their family dynamics and how shaped their resilience in the face of loss. In 2008, she remarried Bill Thompson. Their shared influenced , fostering a sense of purpose and unity.

Faith and Hobbies

Rick Husband was a devout Christian whose faith played a central role in his life, shaping his personal routines and professional outlook. Raised in a religious household in , he developed a deep commitment to from an early age, influenced by his parents' emphasis on spiritual values. As an adult, Husband was an active member of in , where he was remembered by his pastor as "probably the godliest man I've ever met." He openly shared his belief in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, stating during training for , "I am a strong believer and a Christian... I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ." Husband maintained a disciplined daily practice of study and , which he described as essential to his and often referenced in letters to his during his career. This spiritual discipline extended to his family life, where he led devotional activities, including recording a series of 17 video messages—one for each day of the mission—each featuring verses and personal reflections on to guide his children in his absence. His was further chronicled in the posthumously published book High Calling: The Courageous Life and Faith of Rick Husband, compiled by his wife Evelyn from his journals and released in 2003, which details how his Christian beliefs intersected with his aspirations in and . Husband integrated his seamlessly with his career, viewing space missions as a means to appreciate and glorify God's creation. In pre-mission devotionals and interviews, he expressed awe at the opportunity to explore the as part of a divine plan, often drawing parallels between his role and biblical themes of and wonder. He was never hesitant to share his beliefs, as noted by friends like Christian singer Steve Green, who recalled Husband's quiet demeanor but bold witness: "Rick was a quiet man... but never quiet about sharing his in Christ." Beyond his spiritual pursuits, Husband enjoyed a range of hobbies that balanced his demanding professional life. was a particular passion; he participated in church choirs during his and later sang in a while in , listing it among his favorite activities. Other interests included snow and , , and spending quality time with his family, which provided outlets for relaxation and reflection. The family occasionally joined him in church-related musical activities, reinforcing their shared spiritual bonds.

References

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  2. https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/astronauts/former-astronauts/
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