Background
Antonelli was born in Detroit, Michigan, but was raised in both Indiana and North Carolina.
Antonelli was born in Detroit, Michigan, but was raised in both Indiana and North Carolina.
Antonelli graduated from Douglas Byrd High School in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He went on to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in aeronautics and astronautics. He later attended the University of Washington, earning a Master of Science in aeronautics and astronautics.
Antonelli served as a fleet Naval Aviator and Landing Signal Officer aboard the aircraft carrier United States Ship Nimitz with the Blue Diamonds (VFA-146), flying F/A-18C Hornets in support of Operation Southern Watch. Antonelli has accumulated over 3,200 hours in 41 different kinds of aircraft and has completed 273 carrier arrested landings. He is a Distinguished Graduate of the United States. Air Force Test Pilot School (Navy Exchange Pilot).
Selected as an astronaut candidate by National Aeronautics and Space Administration in July 2000, Antonelli served in various technical assignments until his assignment to a mission.
He served as pilot on the STS-119 mission which launched on March 15, 2009. The flight delivered the final pair of power-generating solar array wings and truss element to the International Space Station.
Antonelli was assigned as pilot on the STS-132 mission, launched on May 14, 2010. The mission saw the delivery of the Russian Mini-Research Module 1 (MRM-1) to the International Space Station.
Navy Meritorious Service Medal Navy Commendation Medal Navy Achievement Medals (2) Unit Battle Efficiency Awards (2) CVW-9 Landing Signal Officer of the Year National Aeronautics and Space Administration Exceptional Achievement Medal National Aeronautics and Space Administration Superior Accomplishment Award National Aeronautics and Space Administration Return-to-Flight Award.
