Background
Coats, Michael L. was born on January 16, 1946 in Sacramento.
Astronaut science administrator
Coats, Michael L. was born on January 16, 1946 in Sacramento.
Bachelor of Science, United States Naval Academy, 1968. Master of Science in Administration Science and Technology, George Washington University, 1977. Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering, United States Naval Postgraduate School, 1979.
Designated naval aviator United States Air Force, 1969, member Attack Squadron 192, United States Ship KITTYHAWK, 1970—1972. Flight instructor A-7E Readiness Training Squadron, Naval Air Station, Lemoore, California, 1972—1973. Project officer, test pilot Strike Aircraft Test Directorate, 1974.
Flight instructor United States Naval Test Pilot School, 1976—1977. Astronaut National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 1979—1991, acting chief Astronaut Office, 1989—1990, pilot STS 41-D, 1984, spacecraft Commander STS-29, STS-39, 1989—1991. Vice president Avionics and Communications Operations Loral Space Information Systems, 1991—1996.
Vice president Civil Space Programs Lockheed Martin Missiles and Space, Sunnyvale, California, 1996—1998, vice president Advanced Space Transportation Denver, 1998—2005. Director Johnson Space Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Houston, since 2005.
Fellow: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (associate). Member: Association Space Explorers, Society Experimental Test Pilots.
Married Diane Eileen Carson. 2 children.