# Dick Scobee > American astronaut **Wikidata**: [Q320047](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q320047) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_Scobee) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/dick-scobee ## Summary Dick Scobee was born on May 19, 1939, in Cle Elum [1] and held United States citizenship . He received his education at Auburn Senior High School, San Antonio College, the University of Arizona, and the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School .During his career, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, the Congressional Space Medal of Honor, and induction into the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame [2]. He died on January 28, 1986, at Cape Canaveral [1].He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery . ## Summary Dick Scobee was an American astronaut and military officer who served as the commander of the Space Shuttle *Challenger* during its fatal mission in 1986. He was a member of NASA Astronaut Group 8 and earned the Congressional Space Medal of Honor posthumously. His legacy is honored by the naming of the Cygnus NG-21 spacecraft after him. ## Biography - Born: May 19, 1939 - Nationality: United States - Education: Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering (University of Arizona), Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering (University of Arizona), Master of Science in Astronautical Engineering (University of Arizona), Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering (U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School) - Known for: Commanding the Space Shuttle *Challenger* during its tragic 1986 mission - Employer(s): National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), U.S. Air Force - Field(s): Aerospace engineering, astronautics ## Contributions - **Space Shuttle *Challenger* Mission STS-51-L**: Commanded the ill-fated mission on January 28, 1986, which resulted in the loss of the crew and the destruction of the spacecraft. His leadership during the mission was pivotal to its success. - **Cygnus NG-21 Mission**: The Cygnus Enhanced spacecraft launched in August 2024 was named *S.S. Francis R. "Dick" Scobee* in his honor, marking the first Cygnus mission launched by SpaceX. ## FAQs **What was Dick Scobee's role in the Space Shuttle *Challenger* disaster?** Dick Scobee served as the commander of the Space Shuttle *Challenger* during its mission STS-51-L, which ended in disaster on January 28, 1986. His leadership and contributions to the mission were instrumental in its execution. **Where was Dick Scobee educated?** Dick Scobee earned a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Arizona and a Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from the same institution. He also completed a Master of Science in Astronautical Engineering from the University of Arizona and a Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. **What awards did Dick Scobee receive?** Dick Scobee was posthumously awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, and was inducted into the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame. **How is Dick Scobee remembered in space exploration?** Dick Scobee is remembered through the naming of the Cygnus NG-21 spacecraft, *S.S. Francis R. "Dick" Scobee*, which honored his legacy as a pioneering astronaut. The mission marked the first Cygnus flight launched by SpaceX. ## Why They Matter Dick Scobee's legacy in space exploration is profound, particularly for his role in the Space Shuttle *Challenger* mission and his subsequent honor through the naming of the Cygnus NG-21 spacecraft. His contributions to astronautics and aerospace engineering have left a lasting impact on the field, inspiring future generations of astronauts and engineers. The naming of the Cygnus spacecraft after him underscores his significance in the history of spaceflight and NASA's commitment to memorializing its heroes. ## Notable For - **Commander of Space Shuttle *Challenger***: Led the ill-fated STS-51-L mission in 1986, which resulted in the loss of the crew. - **Posthumous Congressional Space Medal of Honor**: Awarded for his exceptional service and sacrifice during the *Challenger* mission. - **Honored by Cygnus NG-21 Mission**: The spacecraft was named *S.S. Francis R. "Dick" Scobee* in his memory, marking the first Cygnus flight launched by SpaceX. - **United States Astronaut Hall of Fame Inductee**: Recognized for his contributions to space exploration and astronautics. ## Body ### Early Life and Education Dick Scobee was born on May 19, 1939. He pursued higher education at the University of Arizona, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering and a Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering. He furthered his studies at the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, completing a Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering. His academic background laid the foundation for his career in aerospace engineering and astronautics. ### Military and NASA Career Scobee served in the U.S. Air Force, where he gained experience in aerospace engineering and test piloting. His military service prepared him for his role as an astronaut. He was selected as part of NASA Astronaut Group 8, which included other notable astronauts. His training and experience in the military and at NASA equipped him for leadership in space missions. ### Space Shuttle *Challenger* Mission Scobee commanded the Space Shuttle *Challenger* during its mission STS-51-L on January 28, 1986. The mission was a critical part of NASA's space shuttle program, aimed at deploying the TDRS-1 communications satellite. Tragically, the mission ended in disaster when the shuttle broke apart 73 seconds after liftoff, resulting in the loss of all seven crew members. Scobee's leadership and contributions to the mission were pivotal to its success. ### Legacy and Honors Dick Scobee's legacy is honored through various awards and memorials. He was posthumously awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Air Medal. He was also inducted into the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame, recognizing his significant contributions to space exploration. The naming of the Cygnus NG-21 spacecraft, *S.S. Francis R. "Dick" Scobee*, marked the first Cygnus mission launched by SpaceX and honored his memory. ### Influence on Space Exploration Scobee's influence on space exploration extends beyond his mission. His legacy inspires future generations of astronauts and engineers, particularly in the field of aerospace engineering. The naming of the Cygnus spacecraft after him underscores his significance in the history of spaceflight and NASA's commitment to memorializing its heroes. His contributions to astronautics and aerospace engineering have left a lasting impact on the field, shaping the future of space exploration. ## References 1. [Source](https://www.nasa.gov/history/congressional-space-medal-of-honor/) 2. MusicBrainz 3. [Source](http://www.spacefacts.de/english/e_first.htm) 4. Find a Grave 5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013