# Jack R. Lousma

> American astronaut and politician

**Wikidata**: [Q363976](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q363976)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_R._Lousma)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/jack-r-lousma

## Summary
Jack R. Lousma is an American astronaut, military officer, and politician who served as a crew member on NASA's Skylab 3 mission and later represented Michigan in the U.S. House of Representatives. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan and the Naval Postgraduate School, recognized for his service as a pilot and his induction into the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame.

## Biography
- **Born**: February 29, 1936
- **Nationality**: United States
- **Education**: University of Michigan; Naval Postgraduate School
- **Known for**: Serving as a NASA astronaut on Skylab 3 and later serving as a U.S. Congressman
- **Employer(s)**: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA); United States Armed Forces
- **Field(s)**: Aerospace, Military Aviation, Politics

## Contributions
Based strictly on the provided source material, specific details regarding individual papers, patents, or specific legislative bills authored by Jack R. Lousma are not listed. However, his documented contributions include:
- **Spaceflight Service**: Served as a crew member of a spacecraft as part of NASA Astronaut Group 5.
- **Military Service**: Served as a military officer and aircraft pilot within the armed forces.
- **Public Service**: Served as a politician representing the United States.
- **Recognition**: Received the NASA Distinguished Service Medal for his contributions to the space program.

## FAQs
**What were Jack R. Lousma's primary professional roles?**
Jack R. Lousma held significant positions as a military officer, an aircraft pilot, and a NASA astronaut before transitioning into a career as a politician. He is uniquely identified as both a space explorer and a member of the United States Congress.

**Which institutions did Jack R. Lousma attend for his education?**
He received his education from the University of Michigan and the Naval Postgraduate School, institutions that prepared him for his subsequent careers in the military and space exploration.

**What awards has Jack R. Lousma received for his service?**
He was honored with the NASA Distinguished Service Medal and was inducted into the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame, recognizing his achievements in spaceflight and public service.

**How is Jack R. Lousma connected to NASA Astronaut Group 5?**
He was a member of NASA Astronaut Group 5, the fifth group of astronauts selected by the agency, which marked the beginning of his career in human spaceflight.

## Why They Matter
Jack R. Lousma matters as a representative of the dual legacy of American military aviation and space exploration during the early era of the Space Age. As a member of NASA Astronaut Group 5, he contributed to the Skylab program, a critical step in long-duration spaceflight research. His transition from a space pilot to a politician illustrates the diverse career paths available to astronauts and highlights the intersection of technical expertise and public policy. His induction into the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame cements his status as a key figure in the history of American spaceflight.

## Notable For
- **NASA Astronaut Group 5**: Member of the fifth class of astronauts selected by NASA.
- **Skylab 3 Mission**: Served as a crew member on the Skylab 3 mission.
- **NASA Distinguished Service Medal**: Recipient of this prestigious award from NASA.
- **United States Astronaut Hall of Fame**: Inducted into this facility honoring American astronauts.
- **Military Officer**: Served with authority in an armed force or uniformed service.
- **Aircraft Pilot**: Controlled aircraft in flight as part of his military service.
- **Politician**: Served as an elected official in the United States.
- **University of Michigan Alumnus**: Educated at this public research university.
- **Naval Postgraduate School Alumnus**: Educated at this military university.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Jack R. Lousma was born on February 29, 1936. He is a citizen of the United States. His educational background includes attendance at the University of Michigan, a public research university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, which was founded in 1817. He furthered his education at the Naval Postgraduate School, a military university located in Monterey, California, established in 1909. These institutions provided the academic foundation for his future roles in the military and space exploration.

### Military and Aviation Career
Lousma served as a military officer, holding a position of authority within an armed force or uniformed service. In this capacity, he functioned as an aircraft pilot, controlling aircraft in flight. His military service established his credentials as a test pilot and aviator, which are standard prerequisites for selection into the astronaut corps.

### NASA and Spaceflight
Jack R. Lousma was selected as part of NASA Astronaut Group 5, the fifth group of astronauts chosen by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. NASA, founded on July 29, 1958, is the American space and aeronautics agency responsible for the U.S. civilian space program. As an astronaut, Lousma served as a crew member of a spacecraft. His specific mission included participation in the Skylab 3 program, a significant mission in the history of the United States space program. For his service and contributions to the agency, he was awarded the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, an honor established in 1959.

### Political Career
Following his service in the military and with NASA, Lousma transitioned into a career as a politician. He served as a member of the United States government, representing his constituents in the political sphere. This dual career path highlights his versatility as both a technical expert in aerospace and a public servant.

### Recognition and Legacy
Jack R. Lousma's contributions to space exploration and public service have been formally recognized through his induction into the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame. This facility, located at the Kennedy Space Center, honors American astronauts who have made significant contributions to the space program. His legacy is preserved through various identifiers and records, including his Wikidata entry and his association with the broader history of the United States, a country known for its leadership in technological innovation and space exploration. He remains a notable figure in the history of the American space program and the political landscape of Michigan.

## References

1. [Source](https://searchpub.nssc.nasa.gov/servlet/sm.web.Fetch/Agency_Awards_Historical_Recipient_List.pdf?rhid=1000&did=2120817&type=released)
2. [Source](http://www.spacefacts.de/english/e_first.htm)
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. Library of Congress Control Number
5. BabelNet