Born: 1961 (Ames, Iowa)
Died: 2003 (Space Shuttle Columbia disaster)
Biography:
Laurel Blair Clark (née Salton; March 10, 1961 – February 1, 2003) was a NASA astronaut, medical doctor, United States Navy captain, and Space Shuttle mission specialist. She was born in Ames, Iowa, but considered Racine, Wisconsin, her hometown. An accomplished and driven individual, Laurel Clark’s life was tragically cut short in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster.
Clark’s journey towards becoming an astronaut started with her education. In 1979, she graduated from William Horlick High School in Racine, Wisconsin. Continuing her academic pursuits, she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1983. Four years later, she received her doctorate in Medicine from the same university.
Following her medical education, Clark embarked on a military career. In March 1987, during medical school, she did active duty training with the Diving Medicine Department at the United States Navy Experimental Diving Unit. She then underwent postgraduate medical education in pediatrics at the National Naval Medical Center and completed Navy undersea medical officer and diving medical officer training. Clark was designated as a Radiation Health Officer and Undersea Medical Officer.
Clark’s dedication and expertise led to her assignment as the Submarine Squadron 14 Medical Department Head in Holy Loch, Scotland. During her time there, she dove with Navy divers and Naval Special Warfare Unit Two SEALs, performing valuable medical evacuations from US submarines. Building on her experience, Clark was designated a Naval Submarine Medical Officer and Diving Medical Officer.
Continuing her journey, Clark underwent aeromedical training at the Naval Aerospace Medical Institute in Pensacola, Florida, and became a Naval Flight Surgeon. She was stationed at MCAS Yuma, Arizona, where she served as a Flight Surgeon for Marine Attack Squadron 211 (VMA-211), a Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier squadron. Clark deployed overseas and practiced medicine in austere environments, while also gaining valuable flight experience.
Throughout her life, Clark was an active member of various organizations. She was a member of the Aerospace Medical Association and the Society of U.S. Naval Flight Surgeons. Additionally, she was a member of the Olympia Brown Unitarian Universalist Church in Racine, Wisconsin.
While Clark’s achievements and contributions to the fields of medicine and military were noteworthy, it was her dream of journeying to space that ultimately became her biggest accomplishment. Selected by NASA as a mission specialist, Clark joined the crew of the Space Shuttle Columbia for mission STS-107.
Tragically, on February 1, 2003, the Space Shuttle Columbia broke apart during re-entry, resulting in the loss of Clark and her six fellow crew members. Their untimely deaths marked a somber moment in the history of space exploration.
In recognition of her incredible dedication and sacrifice, Clark was posthumously awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor. Her determination and commitment to both her medical career and space exploration continue to inspire future generations.
Awards:
– Congressional Space Medal of Honor (posthumous)