# Janice E. Voss > American engineer and NASA astronaut (1956-2012) **Wikidata**: [Q52923](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q52923) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janice_E._Voss) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/janice-e-voss ## Summary Janice E. Voss was an American engineer and NASA astronaut who flew five Space Shuttle missions between 1990 and 2000. She is best known for her contributions to space science and engineering, including her role in the Cygnus CRS Orb-2 mission, which was named in her honor. ## Biography - Born: October 8, 1956 - Nationality: United States - Education: - Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Rice University - Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Rice University - Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Known for: Five Space Shuttle missions and pioneering work in space engineering - Employer(s): NASA - Field(s): Aerospace engineering, astronautics ## Contributions - **Space Shuttle Missions**: Flown five Space Shuttle missions, including STS-57 (1993), STS-63 (1995), STS-74 (1995), STS-83 (1997), and STS-101 (2000), contributing to scientific research and satellite deployment. - **Cygnus CRS Orb-2**: The Cygnus spacecraft *S.S. Janice Voss* was named in her honor, highlighting her legacy in space exploration. - **NASA Astronaut Group 13**: Selected as part of NASA’s 1990 astronaut group, demonstrating her early contributions to spaceflight. ## FAQs ### What were Janice E. Voss's major achievements in space exploration? Janice E. Voss flew five Space Shuttle missions, including STS-57 (1993) and STS-101 (2000), and was honored with the naming of the Cygnus spacecraft *S.S. Janice Voss* in 2014. ### Where did Janice E. Voss receive her education? She earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Rice University and a Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. ### What was Janice E. Voss's role in NASA? She was a member of NASA Astronaut Group 13 and served as an astronaut, contributing to multiple Space Shuttle missions and scientific research. ### How is Janice E. Voss remembered in space exploration? The Cygnus spacecraft *S.S. Janice Voss* was named in her honor, and she received the NASA Distinguished Service Medal for her contributions. ## Why They Matter Janice E. Voss played a pivotal role in advancing space exploration through her five Space Shuttle missions and her work in aerospace engineering. Her contributions to scientific research and satellite deployment helped expand our understanding of space. The naming of the Cygnus spacecraft *S.S. Janice Voss* ensures her legacy continues to inspire future generations of astronauts and engineers. Her work underscores the importance of women in space exploration and the ongoing need for diverse talent in scientific and technical fields. ## Notable For - **Five Space Shuttle Missions**: Flown STS-57, STS-63, STS-74, STS-83, and STS-101, contributing to space science and engineering. - **Named Cygnus Spacecraft**: The Cygnus CRS Orb-2 mission was named *S.S. Janice Voss* in her honor. - **NASA Distinguished Service Medal**: Awarded for her outstanding contributions to spaceflight. - **Pioneering Engineer**: Earned degrees from Rice University and MIT, specializing in electrical engineering. ## Body ### Early Life and Education Janice Elaine Voss was born on October 8, 1956, in South Bend, Indiana. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Rice University in 1978 and a Master of Science in the same field from Rice University in 1979. She later pursued a Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, completing her studies in 1984. ### Career and NASA Selection Voss joined NASA in 1984 and was selected as part of NASA Astronaut Group 13 in 1990. She completed her astronaut training and was assigned to various Space Shuttle missions, including STS-57 (1993), STS-63 (1995), STS-74 (1995), STS-83 (1997), and STS-101 (2000). Her missions contributed to scientific research, satellite deployment, and the maintenance of the International Space Station. ### Space Shuttle Missions - **STS-57 (1993)**: Voss served as a mission specialist, conducting experiments in life sciences and materials processing. - **STS-63 (1995)**: She participated in the first docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian space station Mir. - **STS-74 (1995)**: Voss was a mission specialist, assisting in the deployment of the first Russian module to Mir. - **STS-83 (1997)**: She contributed to the Microgravity Science Laboratory mission, studying materials science in space. - **STS-101 (2000)**: Voss was a mission specialist, delivering supplies and conducting maintenance on the International Space Station. ### Legacy and Honors Voss was awarded the NASA Distinguished Service Medal for her outstanding contributions to spaceflight. Her legacy was honored with the naming of the Cygnus spacecraft *S.S. Janice Voss* during the Cygnus CRS Orb-2 mission in 2014. This spacecraft was launched aboard an Antares rocket and delivered 1,494 kg of cargo to the International Space Station. ### Influence and Impact Janice E. Voss's work in space exploration has inspired future generations of engineers and astronauts. Her contributions to scientific research and satellite deployment have advanced our understanding of space and its applications. The naming of the Cygnus spacecraft in her honor ensures her legacy continues to influence the field of aerospace engineering. ## References 1. Find a Grave 2. [Source](https://searchpub.nssc.nasa.gov/servlet/sm.web.Fetch/Agency_Awards_Historical_Recipient_List.pdf?rhid=1000&did=2120817&type=released) 3. [Source](http://www.spacefacts.de/english/e_first.htm) 4. [MarketWatch.com](http://www.marketwatch.com/story/astronaut-janice-voss-dies-2012-02-07) 5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013