Born: 1959 (Carthage, Missouri)
Biography:
Janet Lynn Kavandi, a native of Carthage, Missouri, was born on July 17, 1959. She is an American scientist and a NASA astronaut who has made significant contributions to space exploration. Kavandi is known for her impressive career as an astronaut, as well as her leadership roles within NASA.
Kavandi’s academic journey began at Carthage Senior High School, where she graduated as Valedictorian in 1977. She continued her education at Missouri Southern State College, earning a bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 1980. Kavandi’s thirst for knowledge led her to pursue further studies, and she obtained a master’s degree in chemistry from the Missouri University of Science and Technology in 1982. She then went on to the University of Washington, where she earned her doctorate in analytical chemistry in 1990.
After completing her formal education, Kavandi embarked on a successful career in the aerospace industry. In 1982, she joined Eagle-Picher Industries in Joplin, Missouri, as an engineer in new battery development for defense applications. She later accepted a position at Boeing Defense, Space & Security in Seattle, Washington, where she served as an engineer in the Power Systems Technology Department. During her time at Boeing, Kavandi played key roles in various projects, including the design and development of thermal batteries for advanced missiles and space exploration missions.
In 1986, while working at Boeing, Kavandi pursued a doctorate at the University of Washington. Her research focused on the development of pressure-indicating coatings for aerodynamic test models in wind tunnels. This innovative work led to the granting of two patents. Kavandi’s dedication to her research and her ability to combine academic knowledge with practical applications demonstrated her exceptional skills as a scientist.
Kavandi’s exceptional qualifications and impressive career trajectory caught the attention of NASA, leading to her selection as an astronaut candidate in December 1994. She reported to the Johnson Space Center in March 1995 and underwent rigorous training. Her dedication and hard work paid off when she was assigned to the Payloads and Habitability Branch, where she contributed to payload integration for the International Space Station.
As a mission specialist, Kavandi made three incredible journeys into space. Her first mission, STS-91, took place from June 2 to June 12, 1998. This mission was crucial as it marked the ninth and final Shuttle-Mir docking mission, completing the joint U.S./Russian Phase 1 program. Following the successful completion of this mission, Kavandi played a vital role as a spacecraft communicator (CAPCOM) in NASA’s Mission Control Center.
Kavandi’s second mission, STS-99, occurred from February 11 to February 22, 2000. This mission, known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, aimed to create a highly accurate three-dimensional topographical map of the Earth’s land surface by mapping over 47 million miles. Kavandi’s contributions to this mission were invaluable, as she worked tirelessly to ensure its success.
Throughout her career, Kavandi has showcased her leadership capabilities and served in various roles within NASA. She served as NASA’s Deputy Chief of the Astronaut Office, demonstrating her exceptional skills in managing complex operations and overseeing astronaut training. Additionally, Kavandi had the honor of being the Center Director at the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio, from March 2016 until her retirement from NASA in September 2019.
Janet L. Kavandi’s contributions to space exploration have been recognized and honored with numerous awards and accolades. In 2019, she was inducted into the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame, highlighting her significant achievements and her impact on space research and technology.
Today, Kavandi continues to inspire others through her work as President of Sierra Space. Her groundbreaking achievements as a scientist and astronaut have left an indelible mark on the history of space exploration. Kavandi’s dedication, perseverance, and passion for scientific discovery make her a role model for aspiring scientists, especially women, who aim to excel in the field of aerospace.
Awards:
– Inducted into the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame in 2019.