Kenneth Dale Cockrell
Kenneth Dale Cockrell is a retired NASA astronaut, engineer, naval aviator, and shuttle who flew five Space Shuttle missions. His career stretches from atmospheric science and free-flyer payload operations into International assembly and crew rotation.
- Born
- April 9, 1950
- Died
- N/A
- Birthplace
- Austin, Texas,United States
Flights
5
Spacewalks
0
EVA time
N/A
In space
64 days, 12 hours, 24 minutes
Bio
Cockrell studied mechanical engineering at the University of Texas at Austin and aeronautical systems at the University of West Florida. Before becoming an astronaut, he served as a United States Navy aviator and test pilot, then joined NASA as an aircraft operations and technical specialist.
He flew first as a on STS-56, then moved into pilot and commander roles on STS-69, STS-80, STS-98, and STS-111. His command assignments included installing the Destiny laboratory on the ISS and supporting crew rotation.
Cockrell also served as Chief of the Astronaut Office from 1997 to 1998.