Daniel Brandenstein
Encyclopedia
Daniel Charles Brandenstein (born January 17, 1943, Watertown
, Wisconsin
, United States
) is the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of United Space Alliance
. He is a former naval aviator and NASA
astronaut
who flew four space shuttle
missions.
(the first flight of the Space Shuttle). He was subsequently assigned to the STS-2
astronaut support crew and was the ascent CAPCOM for the second Space Shuttle flight. A veteran of four space flights—STS-8 (August 30-September 3, 1983), STS-51G (June 17–24, 1985), STS-32 (January 9–20, 1990), and STS-49 (May 7–16, 1992) -- Brandenstein has logged over 789 hours in space. Following his second space flight, Brandenstein served as the Deputy Director of Flight Crew Operations. From April 1987 through September 1992 Brandenstein served as Chief of the Astronaut Office. In October 1992 Brandenstein retired from NASA and the United States Navy.
, his first flight, which launched at night from the Kennedy Space Center
, Florida, on August 30, 1983. This was the third flight for the Orbiter Challenger
and the first mission with a night launch and night landing. During the mission crew members deployed the Indian National Satellite (INSAT
-1B); operated the Canadian-built Remote Manipulator System (RMS) with the Payload Flight Test Article (PFTA); operated the Continuous Flow Electrophoresis System (CFES) with live cell samples; conducted medical measurements to understand biophysiological effects on space flight; and activated various earth resources and space science experiments along with four "Getaway Special" canisters. STS-8 completed 98 orbits of the Earth in 145 hours before landing at Edwards Air Force Base
, California, on September 3, 1983.
On his second mission (June 17–24, 1985), Brandenstein commanded the crew of STS-51-G
aboard the Orbiter Discovery
. During this seven-day mission crew members deployed communications satellites for Mexico (Morelos), the Arab League
(Arabsat), and the United States (AT&T
Telstar
). They used the Remote Manipulator System (RMS) to deploy and later retrieve the SPARTAN satellite which performed 17 hours of x-ray astronomy experiments while separated from the Space Shuttle. In addition, the crew activated the Automated Directional Solidification Furnace (ADSF), six "Getaway Specials", participated in biomedical experiments, and conducted a laser tracking experiment as part of the Strategic Defense Initiative
. The mission was accomplished in 112 Earth orbits in approximately 170 hours.
Brandenstein then commanded the crew of STS-32
(January 9–20, 1990). In the longest Shuttle mission to date, crew members aboard the Orbiter Columbia
successfully deployed the Syncom
IV-F5 satellite, and retrieved the 9,724 kg (21,393 lb) Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) using the RMS. They also operated a variety of middeck experiments including the Microgravity Disturbance Experiment (MDE) using the Fluids Experiment Apparatus (FEA), Protein Crystal Growth (PCG), American Flight Echocardiograph (AFE), Latitude/Longitude Locator (L3), Mesoscale Lightning Experiment (MLE), Characterization of Neurospora
Circadian Rhythms (CNCR), and the IMAX
camera. Additionally, numerous medical test objectives, including in-flight Lower Body Negative Pressure (LBNP), in-flight aerobic exercise and muscle performance were conducted to evaluate human adaptation to extended duration missions. Following 173 orbits of the Earth in 261 hours, the mission ended with a night landing in California.
Brandenstein also commanded the crew of STS-49
(May 7–16, 1992) on the maiden flight of the new Space Shuttle Endeavour
. During this mission, the crew conducted the initial test flight of Endeavour, performed a record four EVA's
(space walks) to retrieve, repair and deploy the International Telecommunications Satellite (INTELSAT
) and to demonstrate and evaluate numerous EVA tasks to be used for the assembly of Space Station Freedom. Additionally, a variety of medical, scientific and operational tests were conducted throughout the mission. STS-49 logged 213 hours in space and 141 Earth orbits before landing at Edwards Air Force Base, California, where the crew conducted the first test of the Endeavour's drag chute.
With the completion of his fourth flight, Brandenstein logged over 789 hours in space.
, in May 1967, and then proceeded to VA-128 for A-6 fleet replacement training. From 1968 to 1970, while attached to VA-196 flying A-6 Intruders, he participated in two combat deployments on board the USS Constellation
and the USS Ranger
to Southeast Asia and flew 192 combat missions. In subsequent assignments, he was attached to VX-5 for the conduct of operational tests of A-6 weapons systems and tactics; and to the Naval Air Test Center where, upon graduation from the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, Patuxent River, Maryland, he conducted tests of electronic warfare systems in various Navy aircraft. Brandenstein made a nine month deployment to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean on board the USS Ranger while attached to VA-145 flying A-6 Intruders during the period March 1975 to September 1977. Before reporting to Houston as an astronaut candidate, he was attached to VA-128 as an A-6 flight instructor. He has logged 6,400 hours flying time in 24 different types of aircraft and has 400 carrier landings.
. Married to the former Jane A. Wade of Balsam Lake, Wisconsin
. They have one daughter. Recreational interests include skiing, sailing, basketball, softball, golf, and woodworking.
in 1965. While at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls Brandenstein was a member of the Phi Sigma Kappa
fraternity.
(SETP), Association of Space Explorers, United States, Naval Institute, and Association of Naval Aviation.
with oak leaf cluster
, the Legion of Merit
, the Distinguished Flying Cross, Defense Meritorious Service Medal
, 17 Air Medal
s, Navy Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster and Valor device
, Meritorious Unit Commendation
, 2 NASA Distinguished Service Medals, 2 NASA Outstanding Leadership Medals, 4 NASA Space Flight Medal
s, National Defense Service Medal
, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
, Vietnam Service Medal
, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, French Legion of Honor
, Medal of King Abdul Aziz (Saudi Arabia), Vietnam Air Gallantry Cross
, Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Distinguished Alumnus, University of Wisconsin, River Falls. Honorary Doctor of Engineering, Milwaukee School of Engineering, Honorary Doctor of Science, University of Wisconsin - River Falls. Recipient of the SETP Iven C. Kincheloe Award, the AIAA Haley Space Flight Award, the Federation Aeronautique International Yuri Gagarin Gold Medal, American Astronautical Society Flight Achievement Award, Inducted into the Wisconsin Avaition Hall of Fame in 1992.
Source: NASA Astronaut Biographies http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/brandenstein-dc.html
Watertown, Wisconsin
Watertown is a city in Dodge and Jefferson counties in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. Most of the city's population is in Jefferson County. Division Street, several blocks north of downtown, marks the county line. The population of Watertown was 21,598 at the 2000 census...
, Wisconsin
Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a U.S. state located in the north-central United States and is part of the Midwest. It is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michigan to the northeast, and Lake Superior to the north. Wisconsin's capital is...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
) is the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of United Space Alliance
United Space Alliance
United Space Alliance is a spaceflight operations company. USA is a joint venture which was established in August 1995 as a Limited Liability Company , equally owned by Boeing and Lockheed Martin. The company is headquartered in Houston, Texas and, employed approximately 8,800 people in Texas,...
. He is a former naval aviator and NASA
NASA
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is the agency of the United States government that is responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research...
astronaut
Astronaut
An astronaut or cosmonaut is a person trained by a human spaceflight program to command, pilot, or serve as a crew member of a spacecraft....
who flew four space shuttle
Space Shuttle
The Space Shuttle was a manned orbital rocket and spacecraft system operated by NASA on 135 missions from 1981 to 2011. The system combined rocket launch, orbital spacecraft, and re-entry spaceplane with modular add-ons...
missions.
NASA experience
Selected by NASA in January 1978, Brandenstein became an astronaut in August 1979. He was ascent spacecraft communicator (CAPCOM) and a member of the astronaut support crew for STS-1STS-1
STS-1 was the first orbital flight of NASA's Space Shuttle program. Space Shuttle Columbia launched on 12 April 1981, and returned to Earth on 14 April, having orbited the Earth 37 times during the 54.5-hour mission. It was the first American manned space flight since the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project...
(the first flight of the Space Shuttle). He was subsequently assigned to the STS-2
STS-2
STS-2 was a Space Shuttle mission conducted by NASA, using the Space Shuttle Columbia. The mission launched on 12 November 1981. It was the second shuttle mission overall, and was also the second mission for Columbia...
astronaut support crew and was the ascent CAPCOM for the second Space Shuttle flight. A veteran of four space flights—STS-8 (August 30-September 3, 1983), STS-51G (June 17–24, 1985), STS-32 (January 9–20, 1990), and STS-49 (May 7–16, 1992) -- Brandenstein has logged over 789 hours in space. Following his second space flight, Brandenstein served as the Deputy Director of Flight Crew Operations. From April 1987 through September 1992 Brandenstein served as Chief of the Astronaut Office. In October 1992 Brandenstein retired from NASA and the United States Navy.
Space flight experience
Brandenstein was pilot on STS-8STS-8
STS-8 was a NASA Space Shuttle mission which launched on 30 August 1983 and landed on 5 September; it conducted the first night launch and night landing of the program, and flew the first African-American astronaut, Guion Bluford...
, his first flight, which launched at night from the Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center
The John F. Kennedy Space Center is the NASA installation that has been the launch site for every United States human space flight since 1968. Although such flights are currently on hiatus, KSC continues to manage and operate unmanned rocket launch facilities for America's civilian space program...
, Florida, on August 30, 1983. This was the third flight for the Orbiter Challenger
Space Shuttle Challenger
Space Shuttle Challenger was NASA's second Space Shuttle orbiter to be put into service, Columbia having been the first. The shuttle was built by Rockwell International's Space Transportation Systems Division in Downey, California...
and the first mission with a night launch and night landing. During the mission crew members deployed the Indian National Satellite (INSAT
Indian National Satellite System
INSAT or the Indian National Satellite System is a series of multipurpose Geo-stationary satellites launched by ISRO to satisfy the telecommunications, broadcasting, meteorology, and search and rescue operations....
-1B); operated the Canadian-built Remote Manipulator System (RMS) with the Payload Flight Test Article (PFTA); operated the Continuous Flow Electrophoresis System (CFES) with live cell samples; conducted medical measurements to understand biophysiological effects on space flight; and activated various earth resources and space science experiments along with four "Getaway Special" canisters. STS-8 completed 98 orbits of the Earth in 145 hours before landing at Edwards Air Force Base
Edwards Air Force Base
Edwards Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base located on the border of Kern County, Los Angeles County, and San Bernardino County, California, in the Antelope Valley. It is southwest of the central business district of North Edwards, California and due east of Rosamond.It is named in...
, California, on September 3, 1983.
On his second mission (June 17–24, 1985), Brandenstein commanded the crew of STS-51-G
STS-51-G
STS-51-G was the eighteenth flight of NASA's Space Shuttle program, and the fifth flight of Space Shuttle Discovery. The mission launched from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on 17 June 1985...
aboard the Orbiter Discovery
Space Shuttle Discovery
Space Shuttle Discovery is one of the retired orbiters of the Space Shuttle program of NASA, the space agency of the United States, and was operational from its maiden flight, STS-41-D on August 30, 1984, until its final landing during STS-133 on March 9, 2011...
. During this seven-day mission crew members deployed communications satellites for Mexico (Morelos), the Arab League
Arab League
The Arab League , officially called the League of Arab States , is a regional organisation of Arab states in North and Northeast Africa, and Southwest Asia . It was formed in Cairo on 22 March 1945 with six members: Egypt, Iraq, Transjordan , Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Syria. Yemen joined as a...
(Arabsat), and the United States (AT&T
AT&T
AT&T Inc. is an American multinational telecommunications corporation headquartered in Whitacre Tower, Dallas, Texas, United States. It is the largest provider of mobile telephony and fixed telephony in the United States, and is also a provider of broadband and subscription television services...
Telstar
Telstar
Telstar is the name of various communications satellites, including the first such satellite to relay television signals.The first two Telstar satellites were experimental and nearly identical. Telstar 1 was launched on top of a Thor-Delta rocket on July 10, 1962...
). They used the Remote Manipulator System (RMS) to deploy and later retrieve the SPARTAN satellite which performed 17 hours of x-ray astronomy experiments while separated from the Space Shuttle. In addition, the crew activated the Automated Directional Solidification Furnace (ADSF), six "Getaway Specials", participated in biomedical experiments, and conducted a laser tracking experiment as part of the Strategic Defense Initiative
Strategic Defense Initiative
The Strategic Defense Initiative was proposed by U.S. President Ronald Reagan on March 23, 1983 to use ground and space-based systems to protect the United States from attack by strategic nuclear ballistic missiles. The initiative focused on strategic defense rather than the prior strategic...
. The mission was accomplished in 112 Earth orbits in approximately 170 hours.
Brandenstein then commanded the crew of STS-32
STS-32
STS-32 was the 33rd mission of NASA's Space Shuttle program, and the 9th launch of Space Shuttle Columbia. Launching on 9 January 1990, it marked the first time since STS-61-C that Pad A at Kennedy Space Center's Complex 39 was used for a launch; it also marked the first use of Mobile Launcher...
(January 9–20, 1990). In the longest Shuttle mission to date, crew members aboard the Orbiter Columbia
Space Shuttle Columbia
Space Shuttle Columbia was the first spaceworthy Space Shuttle in NASA's orbital fleet. First launched on the STS-1 mission, the first of the Space Shuttle program, it completed 27 missions before being destroyed during re-entry on February 1, 2003 near the end of its 28th, STS-107. All seven crew...
successfully deployed the Syncom
Syncom
Syncom started as a 1961 NASA program for active geosynchronous communication satellites, all of which were developed and manufactured by Hughes Space and Communications...
IV-F5 satellite, and retrieved the 9,724 kg (21,393 lb) Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) using the RMS. They also operated a variety of middeck experiments including the Microgravity Disturbance Experiment (MDE) using the Fluids Experiment Apparatus (FEA), Protein Crystal Growth (PCG), American Flight Echocardiograph (AFE), Latitude/Longitude Locator (L3), Mesoscale Lightning Experiment (MLE), Characterization of Neurospora
Neurospora crassa
Neurospora crassa is a type of red bread mold of the phylum Ascomycota. The genus name, meaning "nerve spore" refers to the characteristic striations on the spores. The first published account of this fungus was from an infestation of French bakeries in 1843. N...
Circadian Rhythms (CNCR), and the IMAX
IMAX
IMAX is a motion picture film format and a set of proprietary cinema projection standards created by the Canadian company IMAX Corporation. IMAX has the capacity to record and display images of far greater size and resolution than conventional film systems...
camera. Additionally, numerous medical test objectives, including in-flight Lower Body Negative Pressure (LBNP), in-flight aerobic exercise and muscle performance were conducted to evaluate human adaptation to extended duration missions. Following 173 orbits of the Earth in 261 hours, the mission ended with a night landing in California.
Brandenstein also commanded the crew of STS-49
STS-49
-Mission parameters:*Mass:**Orbiter landing with payload: **Payload: *Perigee: *Apogee: *Inclination: 28.35°*Period: 90.6 min-Space walks:* Thuot and Hieb – EVA 1*EVA 1 Start: 10 May 1992 – 20:40 UTC...
(May 7–16, 1992) on the maiden flight of the new Space Shuttle Endeavour
Space Shuttle Endeavour
Space Shuttle Endeavour is one of the retired orbiters of the Space Shuttle program of NASA, the space agency of the United States. Endeavour was the fifth and final spaceworthy NASA space shuttle to be built, constructed as a replacement for Challenger...
. During this mission, the crew conducted the initial test flight of Endeavour, performed a record four EVA's
Extra-vehicular activity
Extra-vehicular activity is work done by an astronaut away from the Earth, and outside of a spacecraft. The term most commonly applies to an EVA made outside a craft orbiting Earth , but also applies to an EVA made on the surface of the Moon...
(space walks) to retrieve, repair and deploy the International Telecommunications Satellite (INTELSAT
Intelsat
Intelsat, Ltd. is a communications satellite services provider.Originally formed as International Telecommunications Satellite Organization , it was—from 1964 to 2001—an intergovernmental consortium owning and managing a constellation of communications satellites providing international broadcast...
) and to demonstrate and evaluate numerous EVA tasks to be used for the assembly of Space Station Freedom. Additionally, a variety of medical, scientific and operational tests were conducted throughout the mission. STS-49 logged 213 hours in space and 141 Earth orbits before landing at Edwards Air Force Base, California, where the crew conducted the first test of the Endeavour's drag chute.
With the completion of his fourth flight, Brandenstein logged over 789 hours in space.
Military experience
Brandenstein entered active duty with the Navy in September 1965 and was attached to the Naval Air Training Command for flight training. He was designated a naval aviator at Naval Air Station, Beeville, TexasBeeville, Texas
Beeville is a city in Bee County, Texas, United States. The population was 13,129 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Bee County...
, in May 1967, and then proceeded to VA-128 for A-6 fleet replacement training. From 1968 to 1970, while attached to VA-196 flying A-6 Intruders, he participated in two combat deployments on board the USS Constellation
USS Midway (CV-41)
USS Midway was an aircraft carrier of the United States Navy, the lead ship of her class, and the first to be commissioned after the end of World War II...
and the USS Ranger
USS Ranger (CV-61)
The seventh USS Ranger is one of four Forrestal-class supercarriers built for the US Navy in the 1950s. Commissioned in 1957, she served extensively in the Pacific, especially the Vietnam War, for which she earned 13 battle stars. Near the end of her career she also served in the Indian Ocean and...
to Southeast Asia and flew 192 combat missions. In subsequent assignments, he was attached to VX-5 for the conduct of operational tests of A-6 weapons systems and tactics; and to the Naval Air Test Center where, upon graduation from the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, Patuxent River, Maryland, he conducted tests of electronic warfare systems in various Navy aircraft. Brandenstein made a nine month deployment to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean on board the USS Ranger while attached to VA-145 flying A-6 Intruders during the period March 1975 to September 1977. Before reporting to Houston as an astronaut candidate, he was attached to VA-128 as an A-6 flight instructor. He has logged 6,400 hours flying time in 24 different types of aircraft and has 400 carrier landings.
Personal
Born January 17, 1943, in Watertown, WisconsinWatertown, Wisconsin
Watertown is a city in Dodge and Jefferson counties in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. Most of the city's population is in Jefferson County. Division Street, several blocks north of downtown, marks the county line. The population of Watertown was 21,598 at the 2000 census...
. Married to the former Jane A. Wade of Balsam Lake, Wisconsin
Balsam Lake, Wisconsin
Balsam Lake is a village in, and the county seat of, Polk County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 950 at the 2000 census. The village is located within the Town of Balsam Lake.-History:...
. They have one daughter. Recreational interests include skiing, sailing, basketball, softball, golf, and woodworking.
Education
Graduated from Watertown High School, Watertown, Wisconsin, in 1961; received a bachelor of science degree in mathematics and physics from the University of Wisconsin (River Falls)University of Wisconsin-River Falls
The University of Wisconsin–River Falls is a liberal arts undergraduate and graduate university and a member of the University of Wisconsin System. UW–River Falls is located in River Falls, Wisconsin on the famed trout fishing Kinnickinnic River. The campus consists of 32 major buildings, ten of...
in 1965. While at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls Brandenstein was a member of the Phi Sigma Kappa
Phi Sigma Kappa
-Phi Sigma Kappa's Creed and Cardinal Principles:The 1934 Convention in Ann Arbor brought more changes for the fraternity. Brother Stewart W. Herman of Gettysburg wrote and presented the Creed, and Brother Ralph Watts of Massachusetts drafted and presented the Cardinal Principles.-World War II:The...
fraternity.
Organizations
Associate Fellow, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). Member, Society of Experimental Test PilotsSociety of Experimental Test Pilots
The Society of Experimental Test Pilots is an international organization that seeks to promote air safety and contributes to aeronautical advancement by promoting sound aeronautical design and development; interchanging ideas, thoughts and suggestions of the members, assisting in the professional...
(SETP), Association of Space Explorers, United States, Naval Institute, and Association of Naval Aviation.
Special honors
Awarded Defense Superior Service MedalDefense Superior Service Medal
The Defense Superior Service Medal is a senior United States military decoration of the Department of Defense, awarded to members of the United States armed forces who perform "superior meritorious service in a position of significant responsibility."...
with oak leaf cluster
Oak leaf cluster
An oak leaf cluster is a common device which is placed on U.S. Army and Air Force awards and decorations to denote those who have received more than one bestowal of a particular decoration. The number of oak leaf clusters typically indicates the number of subsequent awards of the decoration...
, the Legion of Merit
Legion of Merit
The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements...
, the Distinguished Flying Cross, Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Defense Meritorious Service Medal
The Defense Meritorious Service Medal is the third-highest award bestowed upon members of the United States military by the United States Department of Defense...
, 17 Air Medal
Air Medal
The Air Medal is a military decoration of the United States. The award was created in 1942, and is awarded for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.-Criteria:...
s, Navy Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster and Valor device
Valor device
The Valor device is an award of the United States military which is a bronze attachment to certain medals to indicate that it was received for valor...
, Meritorious Unit Commendation
Meritorious Unit Commendation
The Meritorious Unit Commendation is a mid-level unit award of the United States military which is awarded to any military command which displays exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service, heroic deeds, or valorous actions....
, 2 NASA Distinguished Service Medals, 2 NASA Outstanding Leadership Medals, 4 NASA Space Flight Medal
NASA Space Flight Medal
The NASA Space Flight Medal is a decoration of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. According to its statutes, it is awarded "for significant achievement or service during individual participation as a civilian or military astronaut, pilot, mission specialist, payload specialist, or...
s, National Defense Service Medal
National Defense Service Medal
The National Defense Service Medal is a military service medal of the United States military originally commissioned by President Dwight D. Eisenhower...
, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is a military award of the United States military, which was first created in 1961 by Executive Order of President John Kennedy...
, Vietnam Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
The Vietnam Service Medal is a military award which was created in 1965 by order of President Lyndon B. Johnson. The distinctive design was the creation of sculptor Thomas Hudson Jones, a former employee of the Army Institute of Heraldry. The medal is issued to recognize military service during...
, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, French Legion of Honor
Légion d'honneur
The Legion of Honour, or in full the National Order of the Legion of Honour is a French order established by Napoleon Bonaparte, First Consul of the Consulat which succeeded to the First Republic, on 19 May 1802...
, Medal of King Abdul Aziz (Saudi Arabia), Vietnam Air Gallantry Cross
Vietnam Air Gallantry Cross
The Vietnam Air Gallantry Cross was a military decoration of South Vietnam which wasissued during the years of the Vietnam War. The Air Gallantry Cross was awarded formeritorious or heroic conduct while engaged in aerial combat...
, Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Distinguished Alumnus, University of Wisconsin, River Falls. Honorary Doctor of Engineering, Milwaukee School of Engineering, Honorary Doctor of Science, University of Wisconsin - River Falls. Recipient of the SETP Iven C. Kincheloe Award, the AIAA Haley Space Flight Award, the Federation Aeronautique International Yuri Gagarin Gold Medal, American Astronautical Society Flight Achievement Award, Inducted into the Wisconsin Avaition Hall of Fame in 1992.
Source: NASA Astronaut Biographies http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/brandenstein-dc.html