Education Path
M.S.
Aeronautical Engineering. U.S. Naval Postgraduate School,
Monterey CA
B.S.
Applied Mathematics. University of Colorado,
Special Career Skills
"The ability to think analytically and problem solve came from my background in applied mathematics and engineering. When combined with my skills as a Naval Aviator and test pilot, I had the right mix of academic and operational experience to be successful as an astronaut."
Benefits of This Career
"Since I trained to fly in space, every day was different. Never a dull moment. I saw the earth from a perspective that few people ever do.
I get to share the experience with tens of thousands of people around the world. Motivation: “I have been interested in aviation since I was about ten years old. My father was a pilot and an instructor and he gave me my first flying lesson. Around the same time, I used to dream about being an astronaut and going to the moon. It was not until my senior year in college when I actually pursued a career as a pilot in the Navy. During my tour as a Navy test pilot, I realized that my dream of becoming an astronaut was no longer just a dream, but something attainable.”
Other Information
First Native American Astronaut
Cmd. Herrington carried a Chickasaw Nation flag on his 11 day trip to space.
Launch date: November 23, 2002
Landed date: December 7, 2002
Traveled: 5.7 million miles
Read about his mission: https://goo.gl/YiUgcq
“Believe in yourself and be confident you can achieve any goal that you wish to accomplish. Also, trust the people who believe in you when they recognize you have potential. I measure my success by the feelings of satisfaction I get from doing a good job. The harder the job, the greater the feeling of satisfaction!”
Words of Wisdom
Watch Cmd. Herrington in space