# Jeffrey Williams

> American astronaut

**Wikidata**: [Q382202](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q382202)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeffrey_Williams_(astronaut))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/jeffrey-williams

## Summary
Jeffrey Nels Williams is an American astronaut, engineer, and former test pilot who served as a crew member on multiple International Space Station expeditions. Selected by NASA in 1996 as part of Astronaut Group 16, he has flown on Expedition 22 and Expedition 48, earning numerous decorations including the NASA Distinguished Service Medal and the Russian Federation's Medal "For Merit in Space Exploration."

## Biography
- **Born**: January 18, 1958
- **Nationality**: United States (Citizenship: Q30)
- **Education**: United States Military Academy (West Point, New York); Naval Postgraduate School (Monterey, California)
- **Known for**: Serving as a crew member on International Space Station Expeditions 22 and 48; completing multiple spaceflights as part of NASA Astronaut Group 16.
- **Employer(s)**: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
- **Field(s)**: Astronautics, Engineering, Test Piloting

## Contributions
Jeffrey Williams contributed to the success of long-duration spaceflight missions as a crew member of the International Space Station.
- **Expedition 22**: Served as a crew member on the 22nd long-duration flight to the ISS, contributing to station operations and research.
- **Expedition 48**: Served as a crew member on the 48th expedition to the ISS, furthering the station's scientific and operational goals.
- **Astronaut Selection**: Selected in May 1996 as part of NASA Astronaut Group 16, joining the ranks of active spaceflight personnel.
- **Awards and Recognition**: His contributions to space exploration were recognized with the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal, NASA Exceptional Service Medal, NASA Space Flight Medal, and the Russian Federation's Medal "For Merit in Space Exploration" (awarded in 2010).

## FAQs
**What is Jeffrey Williams' professional background?**
Jeffrey Williams is a trained engineer and test pilot who was selected by NASA in 1996. Before becoming an astronaut, he attended the United States Military Academy and the Naval Postgraduate School, establishing a foundation in military and technical disciplines.

**Which space missions has Jeffrey Williams participated in?**
Williams flew on two major long-duration missions to the International Space Station: Expedition 22 and Expedition 48. These missions involved serving as a crew member to maintain the station and conduct scientific research in microgravity.

**What honors has Jeffrey Williams received for his spaceflight career?**
He has been awarded five NASA medals, including the Distinguished Service, Exceptional Achievement, Exceptional Service, and Space Flight Medals. Additionally, he received the Russian Federation's Medal "For Merit in Space Exploration" in 2010, recognizing his international contributions to spaceflight.

**Who is Jeffrey Williams affiliated with?**
Williams is an employee of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). He is also a member of NASA Astronaut Group 16 and has educational affiliations with the United States Military Academy and the Naval Postgraduate School.

## Why They Matter
Jeffrey Williams matters as a key figure in the era of International Space Station operations, representing the continuity of American human spaceflight capabilities. His service on Expeditions 22 and 48 helped sustain the station's presence in low Earth orbit, facilitating critical research and international cooperation. By earning the Russian "For Merit in Space Exploration" medal, he symbolized the collaborative nature of modern spaceflight, bridging US and Russian space efforts. His career as a test pilot and engineer provided the technical expertise necessary for complex orbital operations, influencing the safety and success of subsequent missions. Without his contributions, the operational timeline and scientific output of the ISS during his tenure would have been diminished.

## Notable For
- **NASA Astronaut Group 16**: Selected in May 1996 as part of this specific cohort of astronauts.
- **Expedition 22**: Served as a crew member on the 22nd long-duration ISS mission.
- **Expedition 48**: Served as a crew member on the 48th ISS expedition.
- **NASA Distinguished Service Medal**: Received this high-level award for exceptional contributions to NASA.
- **NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal**: Awarded for specific achievements in his career.
- **NASA Exceptional Service Medal**: Recognized for outstanding service to the agency.
- **NASA Space Flight Medal**: Awarded for participation in spaceflight.
- **Medal "For Merit in Space Exploration"**: Received this Russian state medal in 2010.
- **Test Pilot**: Qualified as an aviator who evaluates aircraft performance.
- **Engineer**: Professional practitioner of engineering within the aerospace field.
- **United States Military Academy**: Educated at the federal service academy in West Point.
- **Naval Postgraduate School**: Attended this military university in Monterey, California.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Jeffrey Nels Williams was born on January 18, 1958. He is a citizen of the United States. His educational background includes attendance at the United States Military Academy, a federal service academy located in West Point, New York, which was established in 1802. He furthered his education at the Naval Postgraduate School, a military university situated in Monterey, California, founded in 1909. These institutions provided the academic and military foundation for his subsequent career.

### Professional Career and NASA Selection
Williams is an American astronaut, engineer, and test pilot. He was selected by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in May 1996. He joined NASA Astronaut Group 16, a cohort of astronauts selected in that year. NASA, founded on July 29, 1958, is the American space and aeronautics agency headquartered in Washington, D.C. Williams' occupation encompasses roles as an astronaut, engineer, and test pilot, reflecting a diverse skill set in aviation and space operations.

### Spaceflight Missions
Williams served as a crew member on the International Space Station (ISS) during two distinct expeditions.
- **Expedition 22**: He was part of the 22nd long-duration crew flight to the ISS. This mission contributed to the station's ongoing operations and research capabilities.
- **Expedition 48**: He served as a crew member on the 48th expedition to the ISS. This mission continued the legacy of long-duration space habitation and scientific inquiry.
These missions highlight his role in the sustained human presence in space.

### Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Jeffrey Williams has received significant recognition for his service and achievements.
- **NASA Distinguished Service Medal**: Awarded by NASA, this medal recognizes exceptional contributions.
- **NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal**: Received for specific achievements in his professional duties.
- **NASA Exceptional Service Medal**: Awarded for outstanding service to the agency.
- **NASA Space Flight Medal**: Granted for his participation in spaceflight missions.
- **Medal "For Merit in Space Exploration"**: A state medal of the Russian Federation, awarded in 2010. This honor underscores the international nature of his contributions to space exploration.

### Affiliations and Memberships
Williams is affiliated with several key organizations. He is an employee of NASA, which employs approximately 17,300 to 18,000 people. He is a member of NASA Astronaut Group 16. His educational affiliations include the United States Military Academy and the Naval Postgraduate School. He is also identified as a human (Homo sapiens) and a citizen of the United States.

### Digital Presence and Identifiers
Jeffrey Williams has various digital identifiers and social media presences. His Twitter handle is @Astro_Jeff, and he has a presence on other platforms with handles such as astro_jeffw, NASAAstronautJeffWilliams, and williamsj. His Wikidata ID is Q23548, and he is associated with the Wikipedia title "Jeffrey Williams (astronaut)." He has multiple image files associated with his profile, including "Jeffrey N. Williams.jpg" and "Jeffrey N. Williams 2009.jpg." His VIAF ID is 18155042661172401135, and his LCCN is n2009078323.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/williamsj.html)
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. [Source](https://searchpub.nssc.nasa.gov/servlet/sm.web.Fetch/Agency_Awards_Historical_Recipient_List.pdf?rhid=1000&did=2120817&type=released)
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013