# John Young

> American astronaut, naval officer, test pilot and aeronautical engineer (1930–2018)

**Wikidata**: [Q107667](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q107667)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Young_(astronaut))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/john-young

## Summary
John Young was an American astronaut, naval officer, test pilot, and aeronautical engineer, renowned for his pioneering role in space exploration. He was one of only three astronauts to fly in space during NASA's Gemini, Apollo, and Space Shuttle programs, and commanded the first Space Shuttle mission, STS-1.

## Biography
- Born: September 24, 1930
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology
- Known for: Being a pivotal figure in American human spaceflight, including commanding the first Space Shuttle mission
- Employer(s): NASA, United States Navy
- Field(s): Aerospace engineering, astronautics, test piloting, space exploration

## Contributions
John Young made significant contributions to American spaceflight and aeronautics:
- Flew in six space missions across three major programs: Gemini, Apollo, and Space Shuttle.
- Commanded Gemini 3 (1965), the first crewed mission of the Gemini program.
- Served as Lunar Module Pilot on Apollo 10 (1969), the "dress rehearsal" for the Moon landing.
- Commanded Apollo 16 (1972), becoming the ninth person to walk on the Moon.
- Commanded STS-1 (1981), piloting the first orbital test flight of the Space Shuttle Columbia.
- Accumulated over 835 hours in space.
- Was a key figure in the development and testing of the Space Shuttle program.
- Received numerous awards, including the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, the Congressional Space Medal of Honor, and the Navy Distinguished Service Medal.

## FAQs
### What were John Young's major space missions?
John Young participated in six major space missions:
- **Gemini 3** (1965) – First crewed mission of the Gemini program, where he served as command pilot.
- **Gemini 10** (1966) – Second spaceflight.
- **Apollo 10** (1969) – Lunar Module Pilot; served as a full dress rehearsal for the Moon landing.
- **Apollo 16** (1972) – Commanded the mission and landed on the Moon.
- **STS-1** (1981) – First orbital test flight of the Space Shuttle Columbia.
- **STS-9** (1983) – His final mission, aboard Space Shuttle Columbia.

### What awards did John Young receive?
John Young received numerous awards during and after his career:
- NASA Distinguished Service Medal
- Congressional Space Medal of Honor
- Navy Distinguished Service Medal
- NASA Exceptional Service Medal
- NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal
- NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal
- Distinguished Flying Cross
- Hubbard Medal
- Awards from the National Aviation Hall of Fame and the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame

### What was his role in the development of the Space Shuttle?
John Young was instrumental in the development and testing of the Space Shuttle program. He was one of the key astronauts involved in the first orbital test flight of the Space Shuttle Columbia (STS-1) and later commanded STS-9, which was the first mission to carry the Spacelab module.

### What was his educational background?
John Young earned a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1952.

### What was his role in the Apollo program?
He served as Lunar Module Pilot on Apollo 10, which orbited the Moon in preparation for the historic Apollo 11 landing, and later commanded Apollo 16, becoming the ninth person to walk on the Moon.

## Why They Matter
John Young's contributions to space exploration are foundational to modern human spaceflight. As one of the most decorated astronauts in history, he helped shape the trajectory of NASA's human spaceflight programs. His leadership in Gemini, Apollo, and the Space Shuttle program established critical precedents for future missions. His role in piloting the first Space Shuttle mission, STS-1, marked a new era in reusable spacecraft. His influence extended beyond piloting, as he was a key figure in the development and testing of the Space Shuttle, contributing to its safety and operational success. Without his leadership and expertise, the transition from the Apollo era to the Space Shuttle era would have lacked the rigorous testing and innovation that he championed.

## Notable For
- First person to fly in space as part of the Gemini program
- First person to command two separate Space Shuttle missions
- One of only three astronauts to fly in space during the Gemini, Apollo, and Space Shuttle programs
- Commanding Apollo 16 and becoming the ninth person to walk on the Moon
- Commanding STS-1, the first orbital test flight of the Space Shuttle Columbia
- Being the namesake of the Cygnus NG-10 cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station
- Having a minor planet named after him: 5362 Johnyoung
- Being inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame and the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame
- Receiving the Congressional Space Medal of Honor and the NASA Distinguished Service Medal

## Body
### Early Life and Education
John Watts Young was born on September 24, 1930. He pursued a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, graduating in 1952. His early career included service as a naval officer and test pilot, where he gained the experience that would later make him a prime candidate for NASA's astronaut program.

### Career
John Young joined NASA as part of NASA Astronaut Group 2 in 1962. He was a member of several pivotal missions:
- **Gemini 3** (1965): Commanded the first crewed mission of the Gemini program.
- **Gemini 10** (1966): Second spaceflight, serving as command pilot.
- **Apollo 10** (1969): Served as Lunar Module Pilot, orbiting the Moon in preparation for the Apollo 11 Moon landing.
- **Apollo 16** (1972): Commanded the mission and became the ninth person to walk on the Moon.
- **STS-1** (1981): Commanded the first orbital test flight of the Space Shuttle Columbia.
- **STS-9** (1983): Commanded the first mission to carry the Spacelab module.

### Contributions to Space Exploration
Young's contributions to space exploration are unparalleled. He was one of the few astronauts to command missions in three different space programs. His role in piloting the first Space Shuttle mission, STS-1, was a landmark achievement in the history of spaceflight. He also played a key role in the development and testing of the Space Shuttle program, ensuring its safety and operational success.

### Awards and Recognition
John Young received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to space exploration:
- NASA Distinguished Service Medal
- Congressional Space Medal of Honor
- Navy Distinguished Service Medal
- NASA Exceptional Service Medal
- NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal
- NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal
- Distinguished Flying Cross
- Hubbard Medal
- Inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame
- Inducted into the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame

### Legacy
John Young's legacy is one of pioneering spirit, leadership, and innovation. His influence extended beyond piloting to include the development of the Space Shuttle program, where he played a key role in ensuring its safety and success. His name was given to the Cygnus NG-10 cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station, and a minor planet, 5362 Johnyoung, was named in his honor. His contributions to space exploration continue to inspire future generations of astronauts and engineers.

### Personal Life and Death
John Young passed away on January 5, 2018, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in space exploration. His autobiography, "Forever on the Mark," published in 2006, offers insights into his life and career.

### Influence
John Young's influence on space exploration is immeasurable. He was a key figure in the development of the Space Shuttle program and played a pivotal role in ensuring its success. His contributions to space exploration continue to inspire future generations of astronauts and engineers. His name was given to the Cygnus NG-10 cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station, and a minor planet, 5362 Johnyoung, was named in his honor. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of astronauts and engineers.

## References

1. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978)
2. [Source](https://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/young.html)
3. [Source](https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/john-young-moon-walker-and-nasas-longest-serving-astronaut-dies-at-87/2018/01/06/5ef1d15c-f313-11e7-b390-a36dc3fa2842_story.html)
4. Geni.com
5. [Source](https://www.nasa.gov/history/congressional-space-medal-of-honor/)
6. Gold Medal Recipients
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8. [Source](https://www.nmspacemuseum.org/inductee/john-w-young/)
9. [Astronauts Laud Gemini as Precursor to Shuttle. Albuquerque Journal. 1982](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28841417/albuquerque_journal/)
10. [Source](http://grin.hq.nasa.gov/ABSTRACTS/GPN-2000-001333.html)
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13. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
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17. [Source](http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-010618a-astronaut-john-young-obituary.html)
18. [Source](https://www.lemonde.fr/disparitions/article/2018/01/06/l-astronaute-john-young-pionnier-des-sorties-dans-l-espace-est-mort_5238368_3382.html)
19. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
20. The Movie Database
21. Virtual International Authority File