Born: 1969
Biography:
Karen LuJean Nyberg, born on October 7, 1969, is an American mechanical engineer and retired NASA astronaut. With a remarkable career in space exploration, Nyberg became the 50th woman to venture into space on her inaugural mission in 2008. Her journey in the cosmos spanned a total of 180 days, with missions in 2008 and 2013, solidifying her place in history.
Nyberg’s passion for science and engineering can be traced back to her early days in her hometown of Vining, Minnesota. She had a thirst for knowledge and a curiosity about the world beyond her small community. This curiosity led her to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering at the University of North Dakota, from which she graduated summa cum laude in 1994.
Continuing her academic pursuits, Nyberg furthered her studies at the University of Texas at Austin, focusing on human thermoregulation and experimental metabolic testing and control. Her research honed in on the control of thermal neutrality in space suits, which would prove crucial for astronauts enduring the extreme conditions of space. Her dedication and brilliance led to the completion of her doctorate in 1998.
Nyberg’s journey into space began when she was selected as an astronaut candidate by NASA in July 2000. Following two years of intensive training and evaluation, she qualified as a mission specialist and was assigned to technical duties in the Astronaut Office Station Operations Branch. She also served as the crew support astronaut for the Expedition 6 crew during their six-month mission on the International Space Station (ISS).
In a testament to her adaptability and commitment, Nyberg participated in NEEMO 10 in July 2006. NEEMO, a deep-sea training and simulation exercise conducted at the Aquarius underwater laboratory, aimed to prepare NASA for future lunar expeditions and crewed missions to Mars. Nyberg and her fellow crewmates lived and worked underwater for seven days, showcasing her resilience and adaptability in extreme environments.
Nyberg’s first spaceflight came in May 2008, as part of the crew of STS-124. This mission played a pivotal role in completing the Japanese Kibō laboratory, delivering essential components to the ISS. Her expertise and dedication to the mission were instrumental in the success of this endeavor.
Although Nyberg was initially assigned to the STS-132 mission, set to launch in May 2010, a temporary medical condition necessitated her replacement three months after the assignment. Undeterred, Nyberg continued to contribute to the space program in a technical capacity until she received her next assignment as a flight engineer on the Expedition 36/37.
In 2013, Nyberg achieved another milestone in her career when she served as a flight engineer on both the Expedition 36 and Expedition 37. Launching on the Soyuz TMA-09M, Nyberg’s role on these missions further solidified her place in history. On June 16, 2013, the 50th anniversary of the first spaceflight by a woman, Nyberg and Chinese astronaut Wang Yaping were the only two women in space, highlighting the progress made by women in the field of space exploration.
Nyberg’s time in space allowed her to showcase her talent and creativity. In September of that same year, she delighted the world by crafting a stuffed dinosaur from scraps found aboard the space station. This nostalgic and lighthearted gesture made Nyberg’s mark on history even more memorable, as this stuffed animal is believed to be the first handcrafted in space.
Throughout her illustrious career, Karen Nyberg has not only shattered glass ceilings but also inspired countless individuals to reach for the stars. Her dedication to scientific exploration, commitment to excellence, and pioneering spirit have left an indelible mark on the history of space exploration and women’s achievements.
Awards:
– NASA Exceptional Service Medal
– NASA Space Flight Medal