# Scott Kelly

> American astronaut and engineer (born 1964)

**Wikidata**: [Q362190](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q362190)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_Kelly_(astronaut))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/scott-kelly

## Summary
Scott Kelly is an American astronaut, engineer, and retired military officer best known for his record-breaking year-long mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), which provided critical data on the long-term effects of spaceflight on the human body. A former U.S. Navy pilot and captain, Kelly has contributed significantly to space exploration, naval aviation, and astronautics through his roles at NASA and multiple space expeditions.

## Biography
- **Born**: February 21, 1964
- **Nationality**: American (United States)
- **Education**:
  - University of Tennessee (public research university, founded 1794)
  - State University of New York Maritime College (public maritime college, founded 1874)
  - United States Naval Test Pilot School (post-graduate professional education, founded 1945)
- **Known for**: Commanding the International Space Station (ISS) during Expeditions 26 and 45, holding the record for the longest single spaceflight by an American astronaut (340 days), and advancing research on human endurance in space.
- **Employer(s)**:
  - National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) (American space agency, founded 1958)
  - United States Navy (military branch)
- **Field(s)**: Astronautics, engineering, naval aviation, space exploration

## Contributions
Scott Kelly’s career is marked by groundbreaking contributions to space exploration and human endurance in microgravity. Key achievements include:
- **Year-Long Mission (2015–2016)**: As part of Expeditions 43, 44, 45, and 46, Kelly spent 340 consecutive days aboard the ISS, setting the record for the longest single spaceflight by an American. This mission, conducted alongside Russian cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko, provided unprecedented data on the physiological and psychological effects of long-duration spaceflight, critical for future Mars missions.
- **Command of ISS Expeditions**: Kelly served as commander for Expedition 26 (2010–2011) and Expedition 45 (2015), overseeing scientific research, station operations, and crew safety during high-stakes missions.
- **Space Shuttle Missions**: Piloted Space Shuttle *Discovery* (STS-103, 1999) and commanded *Endeavour* (STS-118, 2007), contributing to Hubble Space Telescope servicing and ISS assembly.
- **Research Publications**: Co-authored studies on the impacts of spaceflight on human health, including findings on bone density loss, muscle atrophy, and fluid redistribution, published in collaboration with NASA and international partners.
- **Naval Aviation Career**: Served as a U.S. Navy pilot and test pilot, accumulating over 8,000 flight hours in more than 40 aircraft types, including combat missions during the Gulf War.

## FAQs

**What is Scott Kelly best known for?**
Scott Kelly is best known for his record-breaking 340-day mission aboard the International Space Station (2015–2016), which provided vital data for NASA’s human spaceflight research, particularly for future missions to Mars. His work has advanced understanding of how the human body adapts to long-term microgravity.

**Where did Scott Kelly receive his education?**
Kelly earned degrees from the University of Tennessee and the State University of New York Maritime College. He also graduated from the United States Naval Test Pilot School, which trained him for high-performance aircraft and spacecraft operations.

**What awards has Scott Kelly received?**
Kelly has been honored with numerous military and civilian awards, including:
- NASA Distinguished Service Medal
- Legion of Merit (U.S. military award)
- Distinguished Flying Cross
- Medal "For Merit in Space Exploration" (Russian Federation)
- Defense Superior Service Medal
- NASA Exceptional Service Medal and Outstanding Leadership Medal

**What were Scott Kelly’s roles at NASA?**
Kelly served as a NASA astronaut from 1996 to 2016, participating in four spaceflights. He commanded the ISS during Expeditions 26 and 45, piloted Space Shuttle missions, and contributed to Hubble Space Telescope servicing. His year-long mission was a cornerstone of NASA’s research on long-duration spaceflight.

**How did Scott Kelly’s military career influence his work as an astronaut?**
As a U.S. Navy captain and test pilot, Kelly gained expertise in high-stress aviation environments, which translated directly to his astronaut training and spaceflight operations. His naval background included combat missions and extensive flight testing, skills critical for spacecraft piloting and ISS command.

**What scientific research did Scott Kelly contribute to?**
Kelly’s year-long ISS mission enabled studies on bone density loss, muscle degradation, vision changes, and genetic expression in space. Comparisons with his identical twin brother, Mark Kelly (also an astronaut), provided unique insights into the effects of spaceflight on human biology.

## Why They Matter
Scott Kelly’s contributions have fundamentally shaped the future of human space exploration. His year-long mission provided the most comprehensive dataset to date on the effects of prolonged microgravity, directly informing NASA’s plans for crewed missions to Mars and beyond. By demonstrating the human body’s resilience and vulnerabilities in space, Kelly’s work has guided medical protocols, spacecraft design, and mission planning for deep-space travel.

Beyond his scientific impact, Kelly’s career bridges military aviation and civilian spaceflight, embodying the interdisciplinary expertise required for modern astronautics. His leadership during critical ISS expeditions ensured the success of international collaborations, reinforcing the station’s role as a global research platform. As a public figure, Kelly has also inspired broader interest in STEM fields, particularly through his memoirs and advocacy for space exploration.

## Notable For
- **Record-Holding Spaceflight**: Longest single spaceflight by an American (340 days aboard the ISS, 2015–2016).
- **ISS Command**: Served as commander for Expeditions 26 (2010–2011) and 45 (2015).
- **Space Shuttle Missions**: Piloted *Discovery* (STS-103, 1999) and commanded *Endeavour* (STS-118, 2007).
- **Military Service**: U.S. Navy captain and test pilot with over 8,000 flight hours.
- **Awards**: Recipient of the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, and Russian Medal "For Merit in Space Exploration."
- **Twin Study**: Participated in NASA’s landmark research comparing his physiology with his identical twin brother, Mark Kelly, to study spaceflight’s effects.
- **Public Advocacy**: Author of *Endurance: A Year in Space, A Lifetime of Discovery* (2017), detailing his experiences and the future of space travel.
- **Engineering Background**: Trained as an engineer, contributing to spacecraft systems and mission operations.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Scott Joseph Kelly was born on February 21, 1964, in the United States. He pursued higher education at the University of Tennessee, a public research institution founded in 1794, and later attended the State University of New York Maritime College, one of the oldest maritime schools in the U.S. (founded 1874). His academic focus on engineering and aviation laid the groundwork for his military and astronaut careers.

### Military Career
Kelly joined the United States Navy, where he trained as a naval aviator and later graduated from the United States Naval Test Pilot School (established 1945). As a test pilot, he flew over 40 aircraft types and logged more than 8,000 flight hours, including combat missions during the Gulf War. His military service earned him multiple decorations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Legion of Merit.

### NASA Astronaut Career
Selected as a NASA astronaut in 1996, Kelly’s first spaceflight was aboard Space Shuttle *Discovery* (STS-103, 1999), a mission to service the Hubble Space Telescope. He later commanded Space Shuttle *Endeavour* (STS-118, 2007), delivering critical components to the ISS. Kelly’s leadership extended to the ISS itself, where he commanded Expedition 26 (2010–2011) and later Expedition 45 (2015) during his year-long mission.

### Year-Long ISS Mission (2015–2016)
Kelly’s most significant contribution was his 340-day stay aboard the ISS, part of Expeditions 43–46. This mission, conducted with Russian cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko, aimed to study the long-term effects of spaceflight on the human body. Key research areas included:
- **Physiological Changes**: Bone density loss, muscle atrophy, and fluid shifts affecting vision.
- **Psychological Effects**: Stress, isolation, and cognitive performance in confined environments.
- **Genetic Studies**: Comparisons with his twin brother, Mark Kelly, revealed epigenetic changes and immune system responses unique to spaceflight.

The data from this mission remains foundational for NASA’s Artemis program and future Mars missions.

### Awards and Recognition
Kelly’s achievements have been recognized with numerous honors, including:
- **NASA Distinguished Service Medal** (highest NASA award)
- **Legion of Merit** (U.S. military decoration for exceptional service)
- **Distinguished Flying Cross** (awarded for heroism in aerial flight)
- **Medal "For Merit in Space Exploration"** (awarded by the Russian Federation)
- **Induction into the New Jersey Hall of Fame** (2018)

### Post-NASA Work and Legacy
Since retiring from NASA in 2016, Kelly has become a prominent advocate for space exploration and STEM education. His memoir, *Endurance: A Year in Space, A Lifetime of Discovery* (2017), offers a firsthand account of his experiences and the challenges of long-duration spaceflight. Kelly continues to engage with scientific communities, policy discussions, and public outreach, emphasizing the importance of human spaceflight for humanity’s future.

### Affiliations and Collaborations
Kelly’s career involved collaboration with multiple institutions, including:
- **NASA**: Primary employer and platform for his spaceflight missions.
- **Russian Space Agency (Roscosmos)**: Partner in the year-long ISS mission.
- **University of Tennessee and SUNY Maritime College**: Alma maters contributing to his technical and leadership training.
- **United States Naval Test Pilot School**: Critical for his aviation and spacecraft piloting expertise.

### Impact on Space Exploration
Kelly’s work has directly influenced NASA’s approach to deep-space missions. His research on human endurance in microgravity has shaped:
- **Medical Protocols**: Countermeasures for bone loss, muscle degradation, and radiation exposure.
- **Spacecraft Design**: Habitability standards for long-duration missions.
- **Mission Planning**: Strategies for crew health and psychological support during Mars transits.

His legacy extends beyond technical contributions; as a public figure, Kelly has inspired a generation of engineers, scientists, and explorers, reinforcing the role of human spaceflight in advancing scientific knowledge and international cooperation.

## References

1. Czech National Authority Database
2. [Source](https://njhalloffame.org/2017-inductees/scott-kelly/)
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. [Source](http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/kellysj.pdf)
5. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. Library of Congress Control Number
8. [Source](https://twitter.com/StationCDRKelly/status/989559436258762752)
9. [Source](https://www.podchaser.com/creators/scott-kelly-107aDwB785/appearances)