This article is about the astronaut. For the guitarist, see
Steve Swanson.
Steven Ray Swanson (born 3 December 1960 in Syracuse, New York) is an American engineer and a NASA astronaut. Swanson is married and has 3 children. Steven has received numerous awards and honors. These include the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal and the JSC Certificate of Accommodation and many others. Prior to becoming a NASA astronaut, Swanson worked for GTE in Phoenix, Arizona, as a software engineer. Steve has flown 2 shuttle flights, STS-117 and STS-119. He has logged over 643 hours in space and completed 4 spacewalks totaling 26 hours and 14 minutes. Steve has also served in other roles at NASA, such as a CAPCOM for both International Space Station and Space Shuttle missions.
[edit] Early years
Although born in Syracuse, New York, Swanson considers Steamboat Springs, Colorado to be his home. He graduated from Steamboat Springs High School in 1979, and went on to the University of Colorado to receive a bachelor's degree in engineering physics in 1983. In 1986, he received a master of applied science in computer systems from Florida Atlantic University.[1] He later received a doctorate in computer science from Texas A&M University in 1998.
[edit] NASA career
His first mission was STS-117, which launched June 2007. He was a mission specialist on this flight, also serving as flight engineer.[2] He also served as a mission specialist and lead spacewalker on STS-119. STS-119 launched 15 March 2009 and landed on 28 March 2009.[3]
[edit] Firefly and Serenity
Steven Swanson is a Browncoat, or fan of Joss Whedon's Serenity and Firefly. He added copies of the movie and box set of the TV series to the ISS Movie Library on STS-117 in June 2007.[4]
[edit] References
[edit] External links
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| Persondata |
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Swanson, Steven R. |
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| Date of birth |
December 3, 1960 |
| Place of birth |
Syracuse, New York |
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