Born: 1947 (Murfreesboro, Tennessee)
Biography:
Margaret Rhea Seddon was born on November 8, 1947, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. She grew up in a close-knit family, the eldest daughter of Edward C. Seddon, a lawyer, and Clayton Ransom Seddon, a homemaker. Seddon had a younger sister named Louise.
From a young age, Seddon showed a natural curiosity and passion for science. However, it wasn’t until the Sputnik crisis in 1957 that science education became a priority in her school, St. Rose of Lima Catholic School. The school recruited a science teacher, and Seddon eagerly dove into the subject, starting in the seventh grade. Her enthusiasm led her to write a school report in 1960, speculating on the future of humans in space.
Seddon continued her education at Central High School in Murfreesboro, where she excelled both academically and socially. She was a cheerleader, actively involved in extracurricular activities, and graduated in 1965.
With her sights set on a career in medicine, Seddon attended the University of California, Berkeley, where she pursued a pre-medical curriculum. After completing her undergraduate studies, she enrolled at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine and obtained her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree in 1973.
During her residency at the University of Tennessee hospitals, Seddon faced numerous challenges as the only woman in the General Surgery Residency Program. However, her determination and talent propelled her forward, and she emerged as a skilled surgeon ready to make her mark.
In 1978, Seddon’s life took an extraordinary turn when she was selected as part of the first group of astronauts that included women. This marked a significant milestone in NASA’s history and opened new doors for female astronauts. Seddon officially became an astronaut on August 9, 1979.
Throughout her career at NASA, Seddon contributed to various projects and missions. She played a crucial role in the development of the Space Shuttle Orbiter, where she focused on payload software and the Shuttle Avionics Integration Laboratory. Seddon also worked on the Flight Data File, the Space Shuttle medical kit, and created essential checklists for launch and landing procedures.
In addition to her ground-based work, Seddon actively participated in missions as a flight surgeon. She served as a rescue helicopter physician for early Space Shuttle flights and was a support crew member for the STS-6 mission. Her expertise and dedication earned her the role of capsule communicator (CAPCOM) in the Mission Control Center.
Seddon had the opportunity to venture into space on three separate Space Shuttle missions. In 1985, she flew as a mission specialist on STS-51-D, during which she built repair tools for a US Navy satellite. In 1991, Seddon served as a mission specialist on STS-40, where she conducted medical experiments. She then made history as the payload commander for STS-58 in 1993, accumulating more than 722 hours in space across these three flights.
After retiring from NASA in November 1997, Seddon continued her medical career. She became the Assistant Chief Medical Officer of the Vanderbilt Medical Group. In 1996, she was detailed by NASA to Vanderbilt University Medical School, where she assisted in the preparation of cardiovascular experiments for the STS-90 Neurolab Spacelab flight in April 1998.
Throughout her remarkable journey, Rhea Seddon has been an inspiration to aspiring scientists, women, and the world at large. Her contributions to space exploration, medicine, and the advancement of women’s roles in traditionally male-dominated fields have left an indelible mark on history.
Awards:
– NASA Space Flight Medal
– NASA Exceptional Service Medal
– NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal
– NASA Distinguished Service Medal