George Nelson (astronaut)

George D. Nelson (nickname Pinky) (b. July 13, 1950 in Charles City, Iowa) is a former NASA astronaut.

NASA Career

Dr. Nelson was selected as an astronaut candidate by NASA in January 1978. He flew as a scientific equipment operator in the WB 57-F earth resources aircraft; served as the Astronaut Office representative in the Space Shuttle Extravehicular Mobility Unit (space suit) development effort. During STS-1 he was the photographer in the prime chase plane. He also served as support crewman and CAPCOM for the last two OFT flights, STS-3 and STS-4, and as head of the Astronaut Office Mission Development Group. A veteran of three space flights, Dr. Nelson served aboard STS-41-C in 1984, STS-61C in 1986 and STS-26 in 1988. He has logged a total of 411 hours in space, including 10 hours of EVA flight time.

Related Topics:
1978 - WB 57-F - STS-1 - CAPCOM - STS-3 - STS-4 - STS-41-C - 1984 - STS-61C - 1986 - STS-26 - 1988

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STS-41C Challenger

A seven day (April 6-13, 1984) mission during which the crew successfully deployed the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF); retrieved the ailing Solar Maximum Satellite, repaired it on-board the Orbiter, and replaced it in orbit. The mission also included flight testing of Manned Maneuvering Units (MMUs) in two extravehicular activities (EVAs), and operation of the Cinema 360 and IMAX Camera Systems.

Related Topics:
Long Duration Exposure Facility - Solar Maximum - IMAX

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STS-61C Columbia

Mission from January 12-18, 1986, launched from the Kennedy Space Center, Florida, and returned to a night landing at Edwards Air Force Base, California. During the six day flight the crew deployed the SATCOM KU satellite, and conducted experiments in astrophysics and materials processing.

Related Topics:
Kennedy Space Center - Florida - Edwards Air Force Base - SATCOM

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STS-26 Discovery

(September 29 to October 3, 1988) was the first mission flown after the Challenger accident. During the four day flight, the crew successfully deployed the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-C), and operated eleven mid-deck science experiments.

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