Biography:
Kathryn Patricia Kay Hire, born on August 26, 1959, is a former NASA astronaut and Captain in the U.S. Navy Reserve who has made significant contributions to space exploration. Born in Mobile, Alabama, she attended St. Pius X Catholic Elementary School and Murphy High School. Hire’s passion for engineering and space ignited during her early education, leading her to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering and Management from the United States Naval Academy in 1981. She further honed her expertise by obtaining a Master of Science degree in Space Technology from the Florida Institute of Technology in 1991.
Hire’s journey began with her naval experience. After earning her Naval Flight Officer wings in October 1982, she joined Oceanographic Development Squadron Eight (VXN-8) at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. In this role, she conducted worldwide airborne oceanographic research missions, showcasing her exceptional capabilities as Oceanographic Project Coordinator, Mission Commander, and Detachment Officer-in-Charge on specially configured RP-3A and RP-3D Orion aircraft. Demonstrating her leadership skills, Hire later instructed student naval flight officers while assigned to Naval Air Training Unit Mather (NAVAIRTU Mather) at Mather Air Force Base, California. Her dedication and commitment led her to progress from Navigation Instructor and Course Manager to Curriculum Manager, all while serving as a navigator flight instructor in the USAF T-43A aircraft.
In January 1989, Hire made a significant decision to transition from active duty to the Naval Reserve at NAS Jacksonville, Florida. She continued serving her country in various capacities, including assignments with Patrol Squadron Augment Unit VP-0545 and Anti-Submarine Warfare Operations Centers 0574 and 0374. Hire’s career took a groundbreaking turn in 1993 when the Title 10 U.S.C. combat aircraft restriction for female military aviators was repealed. She became the first female in the U.S. military assigned to a combat aircrew, joining Patrol Squadron Sixty-Two (VP-62) as a Navigator/Communicator aboard the P-3C Update III Orion maritime patrol aircraft. Deploying for flight operations across the North Atlantic, Europe, and the Caribbean, Hire consistently proved her incredible skills and dedication.
As her Naval Reserve career continued, Hire served with distinction in various assignments, including USS Kitty Hawk Detachment 0482, Tactical Support Center 0682, U.S. Seventh Fleet Detachment 111, and U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Detachment 108. Her exceptional service and unwavering commitment were recognized when she was promoted to the rank of Captain in the U.S. Navy on December 1, 2002.
Hire’s tremendous achievements and remarkable experiences led her to her next frontier: NASA. Joining the Kennedy Space Center in May 1989, she initially worked as an Orbiter Processing Facility 3 Activation Engineer and later as a Space Shuttle Orbiter Mechanical Systems Engineer. This exposure to the intricate workings of space shuttles and her engineering expertise prepared her for her ultimate goal of flying in space.
Hire’s dream of becoming an astronaut came true when she was selected as a NASA astronaut candidate in July 1994. The rigorous training and preparation encompassed all aspects of space travel, including space shuttle systems, International Space Station operations, spacewalks, robotics, and physiological training. After completing the training program, Hire was assigned technical duties in the Astronaut Office Space Station Operations Branch, focusing on software and procedures development.
In March 2004, Hire accomplished an extraordinary feat by flying aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery as a mission specialist on STS-90. This sixteen-day mission was dedicated to studying the effects of microgravity on the nervous system using the Neurolab science payloads. Hire’s expertise and dedication in conducting the various experiments were instrumental in advancing our understanding of how the human body adapts to space.
Hire’s second spaceflight, STS-130, took place in February 2010 aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour. This mission involved delivering the Tranquility module and Cupola, significantly expanding the usable space on the International Space Station. Hire’s contributions as a mission specialist ensured the successful installation and integration of these crucial additions, enhancing the capabilities and livability of the orbital outpost.
Throughout her career, Kathryn P. Hire has consistently demonstrated exceptional skills, dedication, and pioneering spirit, both in her military service and her contributions to space exploration. Her achievements have paved the way for future generations of women in the field, inspiring them to reach for the stars.
Awards:
– Include any awards or recognitions received by Kathryn P. Hire. (If none, this section can be omitted)