Former NASA astronauts Roy Bridges and Mark Kelly will be inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame as its class of 2023. A retired U.S. Air Force Major General, Bridges piloted the Space Shuttle Challenger for the STS-51F mission in July 1985 and served as director of NASA’s John F. Kennedy Space Center from 1997 to 2003. He holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering science from the U.S. Air Force Academy and a master’s degree in astronautics from Purdue University. Bridges has logged 4,460 hours in aircraft including the F-100, F-104, YA/A-10, A-37, C-11, F-15, T-37 and T-38.
Currently a senator for Arizona, U.S. Navy combat pilot Mark Kelly was selected as an astronaut in 1996 alongside his identical twin brother, Scott. Kelly has gone to space four times on missions STS-108, STS-121, STS-124 and STS-134. He has logged more than 5,000 flight hours in over 50 types of aircraft and flew 39 combat missions in Operation Desert Storm. Kelly holds a bachelor’s degree in marine engineering and nautical science from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and a master’s degree in aeronautical engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.
“The Hall of Fame has inducted 105 individuals with this honor; this year’s nominees are perfect examples of the accomplished individuals who are inducted each year,” said Curt Brown, board chairman of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. “Both Kelly and Bridges represent the committed spirit of exploration, bravery and teamwork that make our space program a continued success.”
The official induction ceremony for the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame class of 2023 is scheduled to take place at Florida’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on May 6.
Congratulations to both! Well deserved
Yes, great accomplishments, congratulations!