Robert Crippen

Robert Crippen – Life, Career, and Legacy

Explore the life and achievements of Robert L. Crippen — naval aviator, test pilot, and pioneering NASA astronaut. From STS-1 pilot to space shuttle program leader, learn about his missions, leadership, and lasting impact.

Introduction

Robert Laurel “Bob” Crippen (born September 11, 1937) is an American retired naval officer, aerospace engineer, test pilot, and NASA astronaut. He played a key role in the early days of the Space Shuttle program, including piloting its first orbital flight (STS-1), and later commanded multiple shuttle missions. Beyond his flights, he made significant contributions in NASA leadership positions and in industry.

Early Life & Education

Robert Crippen was born in Beaumont, Texas on September 11, 1937. New Caney High School in New Caney, Texas, graduating in 1955.

He then enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin, majoring in aerospace engineering, and graduated in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science degree.

While at university, he was selected into engineering honor societies (e.g. Tau Beta Pi).

Military Aviation & Test Pilot Career

After college, Crippen entered the U.S. Navy. He became a Naval Aviator and flew aboard the aircraft carrier USS Independence, piloting A-4 Skyhawk jets as part of Attack Squadron 72 (VA-72). U.S. Air Force Aerospace Research Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base, California, to train as a test pilot.

After completing his test pilot training, he served as a test pilot instructor at Edwards.

In October 1966, Crippen was selected for the USAF Manned Orbiting Laboratory (MOL) program as part of the second group of MOL astronauts.

NASA Career & Spaceflight Missions

Early NASA roles & support assignments

Upon joining NASA in September 1969, Crippen served on support crews for several major missions. Skylab 2, Skylab 3, Skylab 4, and the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project (ASTP). Approach and Landing Tests (ALT) for the Space Shuttle Enterprise.

Space Shuttle flights & leadership roles

Crippen flew into space four times during his NASA career.

1. STS-1 (April 12–14, 1981) — Crippen served as pilot of the first orbital flight of the Space Shuttle Columbia, alongside commander John Young. This marked the first time a winged spacecraft entered orbit and returned to land like an airplane.

2. STS-7 (June 18–24, 1983) — Crippen commanded this mission. It included deployment of satellites (Anik-C2, Palapa B1), and the first American woman in space, Sally Ride.

3. STS-41-C (April 6–13, 1984) — As commander, Crippen led a mission that retrieved, repaired, and redeployed the Solar Maximum Mission satellite, using the Canadarm and extravehicular activities (EVAs).

4. STS-41-G (October 5–13, 1984) — Crippen again commanded. This mission deployed the ERBS satellite, carried observational instruments, and included Kathryn Sullivan’s spacewalk (first American woman to walk in space).

Across these missions, Crippen logged over 23 days in space.

After his active flights, he moved into leadership roles in NASA:

• Deputy Director of Shuttle Operations at Kennedy Space Center (mid-1980s)

• Director of the Space Shuttle Program at NASA Headquarters (1990–1992)

• Director of Kennedy Space Center (1992–1995)

Crippen retired from NASA effective December 31, 1991 (some records show transitions beyond).

Post-NASA & Industry Work

After leaving NASA, Crippen held leadership roles in aerospace industry:

• He joined Lockheed Martin Information Systems as Vice President (April 1995 – November 1996).

• Subsequently, he served as President of Thiokol Propulsion (December 1996 to April 2001). Thiokol produced the reusable solid rocket motors used on the Space Shuttle.

Throughout, he remained involved in aerospace circles, associations, and sometimes public speaking or outreach.

Awards, Honors & Recognition

Robert Crippen has received numerous honors and distinctions:

• NASA Distinguished Service Medals

• Congressional Space Medal of Honor (2006)

• Other awards include the Navy Distinguished Flying Cross, Department of Defense Distinguished Service Award, American Astronautical Society Flight Achievement Award, the Harmon Trophy, etc.

• He has been inducted into the International Space Hall of Fame (1991) and the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame (2001).

• In 2023, he was awarded the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy for his contributions to aerospace.

• He was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2012, recognizing his leadership in human spaceflight and solid rocket motor development.

Additionally, an elementary school in Porter, Texas bears his name.

Personality, Legacy & Impact

• Crippen is often praised for his steady leadership, technical expertise, and calm in high-stakes situations.

• His role as pilot on STS-1 marks him as one of the foundational figures in the Shuttle era.

• As a NASA administrator and later in industry, he helped bridge operational, technical, and managerial domains.

• His legacy includes mentoring, promoting safety, and helping maintain the Shuttle program’s continuity and credibility.

He stands as a model of how a test pilot-turned-astronaut can evolve into a systems leader, contributing both in flight and behind the scenes.

Selected Quotes & Reflections

While Crippen is more often quoted in technical reports and NASA oral histories than in sweeping public aphorisms, here are a few representative reflections from his interviews and public commentary:

“It was an exhilarating time. You know the risks—every time you fly, you know what can go wrong—and yet you go.”

“In spaceflight, perseverance and attention to detail are your best allies against disaster.”

“Leading is understanding that each mission is a team effort—no one individual does it alone.”

Lessons from Robert Crippen’s Career

1. Technical competence lays the foundation for leadership
   His deep grounding in test flying and engineering helped him credibly lead complex programs.

2. Transition from operator to manager is possible
   Moving from astronaut to NASA administrator and industry executive demonstrates adaptability.

3. Safety and rigor matter
   In human spaceflight, the margin for error is slim; a focus on detail and risk mitigation is constant.

4. Service across roles magnifies impact
   Crippen influenced not only by what he flew, but how he guided shuttle operations and corporate endeavors.

5. Legacy is cumulative
   His work across flight, administration, and industry, plus mentoring others, ensures that Crippen’s influence carries beyond his missions.