Background
Crippen, Robert Laurel was born on September 11, 1937 in Beaumont, Texas, United States. Son of Herbert W. and Ruth C. (Andress) Crippen.
Crippen, Robert Laurel was born on September 11, 1937 in Beaumont, Texas, United States. Son of Herbert W. and Ruth C. (Andress) Crippen.
Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, University Texas, 1960. Graduate, United States Air Force Aerospace Research Pilot School, 1965.
Commissioned ensign United States Navy, 1960, advanced through grades to captain, 1980, assigned to flight training Whiting Field, Florida, 1961, Chase Field, Beeville, Texas, 1961. Attach pilot Fleet Squadron VA-72 aboard United States Ship Independence, 1962-1964. Instructor United States Air Force Aerospace Research Pilot School, Edwards Air Force Base, California, 1965-1966.
Research pilot United States Air Force Manned Orbiting Laboratory Program, Los Angeles, 1966-1969. National Aeronautics and Space Administration astronaut Johnson Space Center, Houston, 1969-1987. Crew member Skylab Medical Experiments Altitude Test, 1972.
Member astronaut support crew Skylab 2, 3 and 4 missions, Apollo-Suyez Test Project mission, 1973-1974. Pilot Space Shuttle Columbia STSI, 1981. Commander Space Shuttle Challanger STS-7, STS-41C, STS-41G, 1983-1984.
Deputy director Shuttle Operations National Space Transportation System Operations, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Kennedy Space Center, Florida, 1987-1989. Director Space Shuttle, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Washington, 1989-1991, National Aeronautics and Space Administration John F. Kennedy Space Center, 1992-1995. President, vice president automation Information Systems Company, Lockheed Martin, since 1995.
Fellow Society Experimental Test Pilots.
Married Pandora Lee Puckett, November 7, 1987. Children from previous marriage: Ellen Marie, Susan Lynn, Linda Ruth.
