Mattingly, Thomas K. II (1936–)
Veteran American astronaut involved in both the Apollo
and Space Shuttle programs. Mattingly
received a B.S. in aeronautical engineering from Auburn University in 1958
and subsequently flew carrier-based aircraft. Selected by NASA in April
1966, he served as a member of the astronaut support crews for the Apollo
8 and Apollo 11 missions and was the
astronaut representative in development and testing of the Apollo spacesuit
and backpack. Although designated as the Command Module pilot for Apollo
13, he was removed from flight status 72 hours before the scheduled
launch because of exposure to German measles. Mattingly subsequently served
as Command Module pilot of Apollo 16,
head of astronaut office support to the Space Shuttle program from January
1973 to March 1978. He was next assigned as technical assistant for flight
test to the Manager of the Orbital Flight Test Program. From December 1979
to April 1981, he headed the Astronaut Office ascent/entry group. He subsequently
served as backup commander for STS-2 and STS-3, Columbia's second and third
orbital test flights. Mattingly was commander for the fourth and final orbital
test flights of the Shuttle Columbia (STS-4) on Jun. 27, 1982, and also
commander for the first Department of Defense (DoD) mission to be flown
aboard Shuttle 51C and as the Head of the Astronaut Office DoD Support Group
from June 1983 through May 1983.
Related category
• ASTRONAUTS
AND COSMONAUTS
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