# Piers Sellers

> British-born American astronaut

**Wikidata**: [Q505439](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q505439)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piers_Sellers)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/piers-sellers

## Summary
Piers Sellers was a British-born American astronaut, ecologist, meteorologist, and climatologist known for his contributions to Earth science, climate research, and space exploration. He served as a NASA astronaut, flying on three Space Shuttle missions, and played a key role in advancing our understanding of climate change and atmospheric science.

## Biography
- **Born**: April 11, 1955
- **Died**: December 23, 2016
- **Nationality**: British (by birth), American (naturalized)
- **Education**:
  - University of Edinburgh (public university in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK)
  - University of Leeds (university in Leeds, UK)
  - University of Maryland (public research university in College Park, Maryland, USA)
- **Known for**: Contributions to Earth science, climate research, and space exploration as a NASA astronaut
- **Employer(s)**: NASA
- **Field(s)**: Astronautics, ecology, meteorology, climatology

## Contributions
Piers Sellers made significant contributions to Earth science and space exploration. As a NASA astronaut, he participated in three Space Shuttle missions, advancing research in atmospheric science and climate change. His work included:
- **Space Shuttle Missions**: Flew on three missions, contributing to scientific experiments and space station operations.
- **Climate Research**: Conducted research on climate change and atmospheric science, influencing global understanding of environmental issues.
- **Cygnus NG-17 Mission**: The cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS) was named in his honor, recognizing his impact on Earth science and space exploration.

## FAQs
### **Who was Piers Sellers?**
Piers Sellers was a British-born American astronaut, ecologist, meteorologist, and climatologist. He was known for his work with NASA, where he flew on three Space Shuttle missions and contributed significantly to climate research.

### **What were Piers Sellers' key achievements?**
Sellers' key achievements include his contributions to Earth science and climate research, as well as his role as a NASA astronaut on three Space Shuttle missions. His legacy is honored by the naming of the Cygnus NG-17 mission after him.

### **Where did Piers Sellers study?**
Piers Sellers studied at the University of Edinburgh, the University of Leeds, and the University of Maryland, where he gained expertise in ecology, meteorology, and climatology.

### **What awards did Piers Sellers receive?**
Piers Sellers received several awards, including the Officer of the Order of the British Empire, the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, and the Henry G. Houghton Award for his research in physical meteorology and climatology.

### **What was the significance of the Cygnus NG-17 mission?**
The Cygnus NG-17 mission was a cargo resupply mission to the ISS, named in honor of Piers Sellers. It delivered over 3,600 kg of supplies, supporting ongoing research and operations on the space station.

## Why They Matter
Piers Sellers' work significantly advanced our understanding of climate change and atmospheric science. His contributions as a NASA astronaut and researcher have had a lasting impact on Earth science and space exploration. The naming of the Cygnus NG-17 mission after him underscores his influence and legacy in these fields.

## Notable For
- **NASA Astronaut**: Flew on three Space Shuttle missions, contributing to scientific research and space exploration.
- **Climate Research**: Made significant contributions to the study of climate change and atmospheric science.
- **Awards**: Recipient of the Officer of the Order of the British Empire, NASA Distinguished Service Medal, and Henry G. Houghton Award.
- **Legacy**: Honored by the naming of the Cygnus NG-17 mission, recognizing his impact on Earth science and space exploration.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Piers Sellers was born on April 11, 1955. He pursued his education at the University of Edinburgh, the University of Leeds, and the University of Maryland, where he developed expertise in ecology, meteorology, and climatology.

### Career at NASA
Sellers joined NASA and became part of NASA Astronaut Group 16, which was formed in 1996. As an astronaut, he participated in three Space Shuttle missions, contributing to scientific experiments and space station operations. His work at NASA was instrumental in advancing research in Earth science and climate change.

### Contributions to Climate Research
In addition to his work as an astronaut, Sellers made significant contributions to climate research. His studies in atmospheric science and climatology have influenced global understanding of environmental issues, particularly climate change.

### Awards and Recognition
Piers Sellers received several prestigious awards for his contributions to science and space exploration. These include the Officer of the Order of the British Empire, the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, and the Henry G. Houghton Award for his research in physical meteorology and climatology.

### Legacy and Honors
The Cygnus NG-17 mission, a cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station, was named in honor of Piers Sellers. This mission, launched in February 2022, delivered over 3,600 kg of supplies to the ISS, supporting ongoing research and operations. The naming of the mission reflects Sellers' significant impact on Earth science and space exploration.

### Death and Impact
Piers Sellers passed away on December 23, 2016. His legacy continues to inspire researchers and astronauts, and his contributions to climate science and space exploration remain influential in these fields.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/24/us/piers-j-sellers-climate-scientist-and-astronaut-dies-at-61.html)
2. [Oxford Dictionary of National Biography](https://www.oxforddnb.com/view/10.1093/ref:odnb/9780198614128.001.0001/odnb-9780198614128-e-112121)
3. Piers Sellers OBE. The Scotsman. 2016
4. The London Gazette 59647
5. [Source](https://earth.gsfc.nasa.gov/maniac/sellers)
6. Find a Grave
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013