Who Was Rick Husband? Biography, NASA Missions, Family, and Achievements

Rick Husband was an American astronaut, mechanical engineer, Air Force colonel, and test pilot who completed two Space Shuttle missions. He served as the pilot of STS-96 aboard Discovery in 1999 and as commander of STS-107 aboard Columbia in 2003.

Before joining NASA, Husband built an extensive military aviation career that included assignments as an instructor pilot, test pilot, and exchange pilot with the Royal Air Force. He accumulated more than 3,800 flight hours in over 40 types of aircraft.

Husband died on February 1, 2003, when Columbia broke apart during atmospheric reentry. All seven members of the STS-107 crew were killed. He was 45 years old.

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Profile Summary About Rick Husband

Early Life and Background

Rick Douglas Husband was born on July 12, 1957, in Amarillo, Texas. He graduated from Amarillo High School in 1975.

Husband studied mechanical engineering at Texas Tech University. He completed a Bachelor of Science degree in 1980 and received a commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force after graduation.

He later continued his engineering education while serving in the military. In 1990, he earned a Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering from California State University, Fresno.

His academic training provided a foundation for a career that combined engineering, military aviation, flight testing, and human spaceflight.

Family

Husband was married to Evelyn Husband. They had two children, Laura and Matthew.

Public institutional biographies describe his family as an important part of his life but provide limited information about the private lives of his wife and children. Responsible accounts of his biography therefore focus on the documented facts rather than speculation about family matters.

Career and Professional Journey

United States Air Force Career

After graduating from Texas Tech University in 1980, Husband entered pilot training at Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma. He completed the program in October 1981 and subsequently received training to fly the F-4.

Husband was assigned to Moody Air Force Base in Georgia, where he flew the F-4E. In 1985, he attended F-4 Instructor School and later worked as an instructor pilot and academic instructor at George Air Force Base in California.

His career advanced into experimental flight testing in December 1987, when he was assigned to Edwards Air Force Base and attended the United States Air Force Test Pilot School. After completing the program, he tested the F-4 and all five models of the F-15.

Within the F-15 Combined Test Force, Husband managed testing related to the Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engine. He also served as an F-15 aerial demonstration pilot.

In 1992, he moved to England for an assignment as an exchange test pilot with the Royal Air Force at Boscombe Down. His work there included the Tornado GR1 and GR4 programs, as well as flights in aircraft such as the Hawk, Hunter, Buccaneer, Jet Provost, Tucano, and Harvard.

By the end of his aviation career, Husband had logged more than 3,800 flight hours in over 40 aircraft types. This combination of engineering knowledge, operational flying, instruction, and aircraft testing prepared him for NASA astronaut training.

Selection and Work at NASA

NASA selected Husband as an astronaut candidate in December 1994. He reported to Johnson Space Center in March 1995 for a year of training and evaluation.

After qualifying for flight assignments, he worked as the Astronaut Office representative for Advanced Projects. His responsibilities included work involving Space Shuttle upgrades, the Crew Return Vehicle, and studies concerning possible human missions to the Moon and Mars.

Husband also served as chief of safety for the Astronaut Office. This role reflected the technical and operational experience he had developed during his military test-pilot career.

STS-96: First Spaceflight

Husband made his first spaceflight as the pilot of STS-96 aboard Space Shuttle Discovery. The mission launched on May 27, 1999, and returned on June 6.

STS-96 was an important early mission in the construction and preparation of the International Space Station. It completed the first docking of a Space Shuttle with the station and delivered approximately four tons of equipment and supplies.

The flight lasted about nine days and 19 hours. Husband worked alongside commander Kent Rominger and an international crew that included astronauts from the United States, Canada, and Russia.

The successful flight gave Husband more than 235 hours of spaceflight experience and established him as an experienced Shuttle pilot.

STS-107: Commander of Columbia

Husband’s second spaceflight was STS-107, a dedicated science and research mission aboard Space Shuttle Columbia. The mission launched on January 16, 2003.

As commander, Husband held responsibility for the overall operation of the flight. The other crew members were pilot William McCool, payload commander Michael Anderson, mission specialists David Brown, Kalpana Chawla and Laurel Clark, and payload specialist Ilan Ramon.

The crew worked in two alternating shifts so that research could continue around the clock. During the mission, they conducted approximately 80 experiments involving areas such as biology, medicine, materials science, combustion, atmospheric research, and the effects of microgravity.

Husband also helped maneuver Columbia for experiments studying Earth and the Sun. STS-107 completed its planned scientific work during nearly 16 days in orbit.

Columbia Disaster

On February 1, 2003, Columbia began its return to Earth. The orbiter broke apart during atmospheric reentry, approximately 16 minutes before its scheduled landing at Kennedy Space Center.

All seven astronauts were killed.

The Columbia Accident Investigation Board determined that insulating foam had separated from the external fuel tank during launch and struck the leading edge of the orbiter’s left wing. The impact created a breach that allowed superheated gases to enter the wing during reentry, leading to the loss of the vehicle.

Husband’s two missions gave him a total of 25 days, 17 hours, and 33 minutes in space.

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Major Achievements and Recognition

Rick Husband’s professional record included notable achievements in engineering, military aviation, aircraft testing, and spaceflight.

His first NASA mission helped prepare the International Space Station for future long-term occupants. As pilot of STS-96, he participated in the first Space Shuttle docking with the station and the delivery of essential supplies and equipment.

His appointment as commander of STS-107 demonstrated NASA’s confidence in his technical ability, leadership, and flight experience. The mission successfully completed an extensive scientific program before the loss of Columbia during reentry.

Husband received several major awards posthumously, including:

• Congressional Space Medal of Honor
• NASA Distinguished Service Medal
• NASA Space Flight Medal
• Defense Distinguished Service Medal

His earlier distinctions included recognition as the F-4 Tactical Air Command Instructor Pilot of the Year in 1987. Texas Tech University named him a Distinguished Engineer in 1997.

His military decorations also included the Meritorious Service Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and National Defense Service Medal.

Memorials and Legacy

Husband has been commemorated by NASA, the United States Air Force, educational institutions, and his hometown.

In 2003, Amarillo International Airport was renamed Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport. The name recognizes his connection to Amarillo and his service in aviation and space exploration.

NASA continues to honor Husband with the other members of the STS-107 crew during its annual Day of Remembrance. The observance commemorates astronauts who died in the Apollo 1 fire and the Challenger and Columbia disasters.

Husband’s legacy is also preserved at Texas Tech University, where his career represents a prominent example of an engineering graduate advancing into military test aviation and human spaceflight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Rick Husband?

Rick Husband was an American NASA astronaut, mechanical engineer, United States Air Force colonel, and test pilot. He flew into space twice, serving as pilot of STS-96 in 1999 and commander of STS-107 in 2003.

What NASA missions did Rick Husband fly?

Husband flew on STS-96 aboard Space Shuttle Discovery and STS-107 aboard Space Shuttle Columbia. STS-96 completed the first Shuttle docking with the International Space Station. STS-107 was a 16-day scientific research mission.

How did Rick Husband die?

Rick Husband died on February 1, 2003, when Space Shuttle Columbia broke apart during atmospheric reentry. Damage caused by a foam strike during launch allowed extreme heat to enter the left wing during reentry. All seven members of the STS-107 crew were killed.

Conclusion

Rick Husband was an engineer, military test pilot, Air Force colonel, and NASA astronaut whose career connected advanced aviation with human space exploration.

Born in Amarillo in 1957, he earned mechanical engineering degrees from Texas Tech University and California State University, Fresno. He accumulated more than 3,800 flight hours before joining NASA in 1994.

Husband flew as pilot of STS-96, the first Space Shuttle mission to dock with the International Space Station, and later commanded the research-focused STS-107 mission. He died with the six other members of the Columbia crew on February 1, 2003.

His awards, NASA service, military record, and memorials reflect his documented contributions to aviation, engineering, and the United States space program.