Ken Bowersox: Difference between revisions

Ken Bowersox
Ken Bowersox
	Bowersox in 2019
Born	Kenneth Dwane Bowersox; November 14, 1956 (age 67); Portsmouth, Virginia, U.S.
Other names	Sox
Education	United States Naval Academy (BS); Columbia University (MS)
Occupation	NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations
	Space career
NASA astronaut
Rank	Captain, US Navy
Time in space	211 days, 14 hours and 12 minutes
Selection	NASA Group 12 (1987)
Total EVAs	2
Total EVA time	13 hours and 17 minutes
Missions	STS-50; STS-61; STS-73; STS-82; STS-113/Soyuz TMA-1 (Expedition 6);
Mission insignia

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Kenneth Dwane "Sox" Bowersox (born November 14, 1956) is a United States Navy officer and former NASA astronaut. He is a veteran of five Space Shuttle launches and an extended stay aboard the International Space Station.^[1] When he launched on STS-73 at the age of 38 years and 11 months, he became the youngest person to command a Space Shuttle.

Early life and education

Bowersox was born November 14, 1956, in Portsmouth, Virginia,^[2] but considers Bedford, Indiana his home town. As a young boy, his family lived in Oxnard, California for seven years and he attended Rio Real Elementary School.^[3] Bowersox was active in the Boy Scouts of America, and is an Eagle Scout.^[4] He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace engineering from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, before receiving his commission in 1978. A year later, in 1979, he received a Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Columbia University in New York City, New York. Bowersox attended the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and graduated with Class 85A.^[5] He served as a test pilot on A-7E and F/A-18 aircraft, and was selected as an astronaut candidate in 1987. Bowersox holds the rank of Captain in the United States Navy.

NASA career

He was selected as an Astronaut Pilot by NASA in 1987.

STS-50

Bowersox's first mission was STS-50 aboard the Columbia, where he served as the pilot.^[6] The mission launched on June 25, 1992, from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center, Florida at 16:12:23 UTC.^[7]^: 2 Its primary objective was to conduct experiments in the U.S. Microgravity Laboratory 1 (USML-1), a Spacelab module dedicated to the study of microgravity. This module housed experiments related to fluid dynamics, crystal growth, combustion, and biological processes.^[7]^: 23–26

The mission concluded with a landing at the Shuttle Landing Facility, Florida on July 9, 1992, at 11:42:27 UTC.^[7]^: 5

STS-61

Bowersox's second mission was STS-61 aboard the Endeavour, in which he served as the pilot.^[8] The mission was launched on December 2, 1993, from Launch Complex 39B at 09:27:00 UTC.^[9]^: 2 The mission's primary objective was the first servicing of the Hubble Space Telescope, during which astronauts performed a series of spacewalks to repair and upgrade the telescope's systems, thereby restoring its optical performance and extending its operational lifespan.^[9]^: 1 STS-61 concluded with the Endeavour landing successfully at the Shuttle Landing Facility on December 13, 1993, at 05:25:37 UTC.^[9]^: 4

STS-73

Bowersox's third mission was STS-73 aboard the Columbia, where he served for the first time as the mission commander.^[10] The mission was launched on October 20, 1995, from Launch Complex 39B at 13:53:00 UTC.^[11]^: 3 STS-73's primary objective was to conduct a series of experiments in the U.S. Microgravity Laboratory-2 (USML-2), focusing on materials science, biotechnology, combustion science, and fluid mechanics in the unique microgravity environment of space.^[11] The mission concluded with Columbia landing successfully at the Shuttle Landing Facility on November 5, 1995, at 11:45:21 UTC.^[11]^: 8

STS-82

Bowersox's fourth mission in space was STS-82 aboard the Discovery, where he served as the mission commander. The mission launched on February 11, 1997, from Launch Complex 39A at 08:55:17 UTC.^[12]^: 3 STS-82 was the second servicing mission to the Hubble Space Telescope.^[13] During the mission, astronauts performed a series of spacewalks to install new instruments and conduct repairs on the telescope.

The tasks undertaken aimed to enhance the telescope's operational capabilities. Following the completion of its objectives, STS-82 concluded with Discovery landing at the Shuttle Landing Facility on February 21, 1997, at 08:32:00 UTC.^[13]

ISS Expedition 6

Bowersox served as the commander of Expedition 6 to the International Space Station (ISS). Alongside him were crewmates Nikolai Budarin and Donald Pettit.^[14] As commander, Bowersox was responsible for the overall success of the mission and the safety of his crew.^[15]

The expedition commenced with the crew's launch aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour from Launch Complex 39A on November 23, 2002, at 00:49 UTC.^[14] They docked with the ISS on November 25, 2002, at 21:59 UTC.^[16] During their stay, the crew conducted several scientific experiments in the microgravity of space and performed two spacewalks to continue outfitting and maintenance on the ISS.^[15] Originally set to return aboard STS-114, the Expedition 6 crew's descent was shifted to the Russian Soyuz TMA-1 spacecraft due to the Columbia tragedy. They landed near Arkalyk, Kazakhstan, on May 4, 2003, at 02:04 UTC.^[17]

After NASA

Bowersox retired from NASA on September 30, 2006. On June 16, 2009 he was appointed vice president of Astronaut Safety and Mission Assurance at SpaceX. He was inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame on June 8, 2010, four days after the first successful launch of SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket.^[18]^[19]

It was reported on January 17, 2012, that Bowersox resigned from SpaceX in late December 2011.

Bowersox appeared on three episodes of the American TV show Home Improvement. Series 3, Episode 24, titled "Reality Bytes", aired 18 May 1994.

NASA administration

In July 2019, Bowersox became NASA's Acting Associate Administrator for the Human Exploration Operations Mission Directorate, replacing William Gerstenmaier.^[20] In May 2020, Bowersox again became NASA's Acting Associate Administrator for the Human Exploration Operations Mission Directorate, replacing Douglas Loverro.^[21]

In May 2023, Bowersox was named the associate administrator of the Space Operations Mission Directorate.^[22]

Awards and decorations

Bowersox is a recipient of the National Defense Service Medal with award star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and NASA Space Flight Medal with four award stars.

On October 26, 1995, Bowersox threw out the ceremonial first pitch at Game 5 of the 1995 World Series.

References

^ Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (October 2019). "Kenneth D. Bowersox" (PDF). Biographical Data. Houston, Texas: NASA. Archived (PDF) from the original on 7 May 2021. Retrieved 7 May 2021.
^ "Men on station say they've wept". The Star Press. Associated Press. February 12, 2003. Archived from the original on August 25, 2023. Retrieved August 25, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
^ Murillo, Sandra (February 8, 2003). "Pupils Feared for Pen Pal in Space". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2010-06-10.
^ "Scouting and Space Exploration". Boy Scouts of America. Archived from the original on 2016-03-03. Retrieved 2010-06-10.
^ USAF Test Pilot School 50 Years and Beyond. Privately Published. 1994. p. 240.
^ Ryba, Jeanne (31 March 2010). "STS-50". Mission Archives. NASA. Archived from the original on 6 May 2021. Retrieved 6 May 2021.
^ ^a ^b ^c "STS-50 Space Shuttle Mission Report" (PDF). NASA. August 1992. Archived (PDF) from the original on 15 May 2022. Retrieved 26 August 2023.
^ Ryba, Jeanne (31 March 2010). "STS-61". Mission Archives. NASA. Archived from the original on 7 May 2021. Retrieved 7 May 2021.
^ ^a ^b ^c "STS-61 Space Shuttle Mission Report" (PDF). NASA. February 1994. Archived (PDF) from the original on 5 April 2023. Retrieved 26 August 2023.
^ Ryba, Jeanne (1 April 2010). "STS-73". Mission Archives. NASA. Archived from the original on 7 May 2021. Retrieved 7 May 2021.
^ ^a ^b ^c "STS-73 Space Shuttle Mission Report" (PDF). NASA. December 1995. Archived (PDF) from the original on 5 April 2023. Retrieved 26 August 2023.
^ Debris/Ice/TPS Assessment and Integrated Photographic Analysis of Shuttle Mission STS-82 (PDF) (Technical report). NASA. April 1997. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
^ ^a ^b "STS-82". Mission Archives. NASA. November 23, 2007. Archived from the original on May 7, 2021. Retrieved May 7, 2021.
^ ^a ^b Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center; Petty, John Ira (23 November 2002). "STS-113 Mission Control Center Status Report #1". Johnson News. Houston, Texas: NASA. Archived from the original on 7 May 2021. Retrieved 7 May 2021.
^ ^a ^b "Expedition 6 Press Kit" (PDF). NASA. NASA. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 July 2009. Retrieved 26 August 2023.
^ "STS-113 Mission Control Center Status Report #5". Johnson News. Houston, Texas: NASA. 25 November 2002. Archived from the original on 7 May 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2023.
^ "A hard but safe landing". European Space Agency. ESA. 12 May 2003. Archived from the original on 6 May 2023. Retrieved 26 August 2023.
^ NASA TV airing U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame Induction on June 5 http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2010/jun/HQ_M10-085_Astro_Hall_of_Fame.html
^ Best, Keilani (June 6, 2010). "Astronauts Enter Hall". Florida Today. Cocoa, Florida. p. 1B – via Newspapers.com.
^ Grush, Loren (July 10, 2019). "Head of NASA's human exploration program demoted as agency pushes for Moon return". The Verge. Archived from the original on April 3, 2023.
^ Feldscher, Jacqueline (19 May 2020). "NASA's human spaceflight chief ousted just before big launch". Politico. Archived from the original on 27 May 2023. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
^ Bennet, Jamie (2023-03-28). "Ken Bowersox to Succeed Kathryn Lueders as Associate Administrator of NASA Space Operations; Bill Nelson Quoted". Retrieved 2024-08-25.

Attribution

This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

External links

"KENNETH D. BOWERSOX (CAPTAIN, USN, RET.), NASA ASTRONAUT (FORMER)" (PDF). NASA. October 2019. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
Spacefacts biography of Ken Bowersox
Space.com announcement of Bowersox's resignation from SpaceX

[kbowersox-1] Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (October 2019). "Kenneth D. Bowersox" (PDF). Biographical Data. Houston, Texas: NASA. Archived (PDF) from the original on 7 May 2021. Retrieved 7 May 2021.

[starpress-2023-08-25-2] "Men on station say they've wept". The Star Press. Associated Press. February 12, 2003. Archived from the original on August 25, 2023. Retrieved August 25, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.

[LAT-3] Murillo, Sandra (February 8, 2003). "Pupils Feared for Pen Pal in Space". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2010-06-10.

[astro-bsa-4] "Scouting and Space Exploration". Boy Scouts of America. Archived from the original on 2016-03-03. Retrieved 2010-06-10.

[TPS50-5] USAF Test Pilot School 50 Years and Beyond. Privately Published. 1994. p. 240.

[STS-50-6] Ryba, Jeanne (31 March 2010). "STS-50". Mission Archives. NASA. Archived from the original on 6 May 2021. Retrieved 6 May 2021.

[ssmr-sts50-7] "STS-50 Space Shuttle Mission Report" (PDF). NASA. August 1992. Archived (PDF) from the original on 15 May 2022. Retrieved 26 August 2023.

[STS-61-8] Ryba, Jeanne (31 March 2010). "STS-61". Mission Archives. NASA. Archived from the original on 7 May 2021. Retrieved 7 May 2021.

[ssmr-sts61-9] "STS-61 Space Shuttle Mission Report" (PDF). NASA. February 1994. Archived (PDF) from the original on 5 April 2023. Retrieved 26 August 2023.

[STS-73-10] Ryba, Jeanne (1 April 2010). "STS-73". Mission Archives. NASA. Archived from the original on 7 May 2021. Retrieved 7 May 2021.

[ssmr-sts73-11] "STS-73 Space Shuttle Mission Report" (PDF). NASA. December 1995. Archived (PDF) from the original on 5 April 2023. Retrieved 26 August 2023.

[sts82-debris-12] Debris/Ice/TPS Assessment and Integrated Photographic Analysis of Shuttle Mission STS-82 (PDF) (Technical report). NASA. April 1997. Retrieved 27 August 2023.

[STS-82-13] "STS-82". Mission Archives. NASA. November 23, 2007. Archived from the original on May 7, 2021. Retrieved May 7, 2021.

[STS-113-MCCSR-1-14] Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center; Petty, John Ira (23 November 2002). "STS-113 Mission Control Center Status Report #1". Johnson News. Houston, Texas: NASA. Archived from the original on 7 May 2021. Retrieved 7 May 2021.

[Exp6-PressKit-15] "Expedition 6 Press Kit" (PDF). NASA. NASA. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 July 2009. Retrieved 26 August 2023.

[STS-113-MCCSR-5-16] "STS-113 Mission Control Center Status Report #5". Johnson News. Houston, Texas: NASA. 25 November 2002. Archived from the original on 7 May 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2023.

[ESA-HardSafeLanding-17] "A hard but safe landing". European Space Agency. ESA. 12 May 2003. Archived from the original on 6 May 2023. Retrieved 26 August 2023.

[18] NASA TV airing U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame Induction on June 5 http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2010/jun/HQ_M10-085_Astro_Hall_of_Fame.html

[19] Best, Keilani (June 6, 2010). "Astronauts Enter Hall". Florida Today. Cocoa, Florida. p. 1B – via Newspapers.com.

[20] Grush, Loren (July 10, 2019). "Head of NASA's human exploration program demoted as agency pushes for Moon return". The Verge. Archived from the original on April 3, 2023.

[21] Feldscher, Jacqueline (19 May 2020). "NASA's human spaceflight chief ousted just before big launch". Politico. Archived from the original on 27 May 2023. Retrieved 19 May 2020.

[22] Bennet, Jamie (2023-03-28). "Ken Bowersox to Succeed Kathryn Lueders as Associate Administrator of NASA Space Operations; Bill Nelson Quoted". Retrieved 2024-08-25.

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+{{Short description|American astronaut (born 1956)}}
-{{BLP sources|date=September 2009}}
 {{Infobox astronaut
-| name          =Kenneth Dwane "Sox" Bowersox
+|name        = Ken Bowersox
-| image         =KenBowersox.jpg
+|image       = Ken Bowersox portrait 2019.jpg
+|caption     = Bowersox in 2019
-| type          =[[NASA]] Astronaut
+|birth_name  = Kenneth Dwane Bowersox
-| status        =Retired
+|birth_date  = {{birth date and age|1956|11|14}}
-| nationality   =American
+|birth_place = [[Portsmouth, Virginia]], U.S.
-| birth_date    ={{Birth date and age|1956|11|14}}
+|death_date  =
-| birth_place   =[[Portsmouth, Virginia]]
+|death_place =
-| occupation    =[[Test pilot]]
+|other_names = Sox
-| rank          =[[Captain (naval)|Captain]], [[United States Navy]]
+|education   = [[United States Naval Academy]] ([[Bachelor of Science|BS]])<br />[[Columbia University]] ([[Master of Science|MS]])
-| selection     =[[List of astronauts by selection#1987|1987 NASA Group]]
+|occupation  = NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations
-| evas = 2
+|type        = [[NASA astronaut]]
-| eva_time = 13 hours 17 minutes
+|rank        = [[Captain (United States O-6)|Captain]], [[United States Navy|US Navy]]
-| time          =211d 14h 12m
+|time        = 211&nbsp;days, 14&nbsp;hours and 12&nbsp;minutes
-| mission       =[[STS-50]], [[STS-61]], [[STS-73]], [[STS-82]], [[STS-113]] (up), [[Expedition 6]], [[Soyuz TMA-1]] (down)
+|selection   = [[NASA Astronaut Group 12|NASA Group 12 (1987)]]
-| insignia      =[[Image:Sts-50-patch.png|45px]] [[Image:Sts-61-patch.png|40px]] [[Image:Sts-73-patch.png|40px]] [[Image:Sts-82-patch.png|40px]] [[Image:STS-113 Patch.svg|40px]] [[Image:Expedition 6 insignia.svg|40px]] [[File:Soyouz TMA-1 logo.svg|40px]]
+|evas        = 2
+|eva_time    = 13&nbsp;hours and 17&nbsp;minutes
+|mission     = {{Unbulleted indent list
+   | [[STS-50]]
+   | [[STS-61]]
+   | [[STS-73]]
+   | [[STS-82]]
+   | [[STS-113]]/[[Soyuz TMA-1]] ([[Expedition 6]])
+   }}
+|insignia    = [[File:Sts-50-patch.png|40px]] [[File:Sts-61-patch.png|40px]] [[File:Sts-73-patch.png|40px]] [[File:Sts-82-patch.png|40px]] [[File:STS-113 Patch.svg|40px]] [[File:Expedition 6 insignia.svg|40px]] [[File:Soyouz TMA-1 logo.svg|40px]]
 }}
-'''Kenneth Dwane''' "'''Sox'''" '''Bowersox''' (born November 14, 1956) is a [[United States Navy]] officer, and a former [[NASA]] [[astronaut]]. He is a veteran of five [[Space Shuttle]] launches and an extended stay aboard the [[International Space Station]]. When he launched on STS-73 at the age of 38 years and 11 months, he became the youngest person ever to command a Space Shuttle vehicle.
+'''Kenneth Dwane''' "'''Sox'''" '''Bowersox''' (born November 14, 1956) is a [[United States Navy]] officer and former [[NASA]] [[astronaut]]. He is a veteran of five [[Space Shuttle]] launches and an extended stay aboard the [[International Space Station]].<ref name="kbowersox">{{cite web |author1=Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center |author1-link=Johnson Space Center |title=Kenneth D. Bowersox |url=https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/bowersox_kenneth_0.pdf |website=Biographical Data |publisher=[[NASA]] |access-date=7 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507063709/https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/bowersox_kenneth_0.pdf |archive-date=7 May 2021 |location=[[Houston, Texas]] |date=October 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> When he launched on STS-73 at the age of 38 years and 11 months, he became the youngest person to command a [[Space Shuttle]].
+== Early life and education ==
-==Biography==
-Bowersox was born in [[Portsmouth, Virginia]], but considers [[Bedford, Indiana]] his home town. As a young boy, his family lived in [[Oxnard, California]] for seven years and he attended Rio Real elementary.<ref name="LAT">{{cite news |url=http://articles.latimes.com/2003/feb/08/local/me-station8 |title=Pupils Feared for Pen Pal in Space|publisher=Los Angeles Times |accessdate=2010-06-10 | first=Sandra | last=Murillo | date=February 8, 2003}}</ref> Bowersox is an [[Eagle Scout (Boy Scouts of America)|Eagle Scout]] <ref name="astro-bsa">{{Cite web|url=http://www.scouting.org/About/FactSheets/scouting_space.aspx |title=Scouting and Space Exploration |publisher=Boy Scouts of America |accessdate=2010-06-10 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303213130/http://www.scouting.org/about/factsheets/scouting_space.aspx |archivedate=2016-03-03 }}</ref> and earned a degree in aerospace engineering from the [[United States Naval Academy]] before receiving his commission in 1978. He attended the [[U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School]] and graduated with class 85A.<ref name=TPS50>{{Cite book |last= |first= |title=USAF Test Pilot School 50 Years and Beyond |publisher=Privately Published |year=1994 |page=240 |id=}}</ref> He served as a [[test pilot]] on [[A-7E]] and [[F/A-18]] aircraft, and was selected as an astronaut candidate in 1987. Bowersox holds the rank of [[Captain (naval)|Captain]] in the [[United States Navy]].
+Bowersox was born November 14, 1956, in [[Portsmouth, Virginia]],<ref name="starpress-2023-08-25">{{cite news |title=Men on station say they've wept |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-star-press-men-on-station-say-theyv/130618290/ |access-date=August 25, 2023 |work=[[The Star Press]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |date=February 12, 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825112512/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-star-press-men-on-station-say-theyv/130618290/ |archive-date=August 25, 2023 |url-status=live |via=Newspapers.com }}</ref> but considers [[Bedford, Indiana]] his home town. As a young boy, his family lived in [[Oxnard, California]] for seven years and he attended Rio Real Elementary School.<ref name="LAT">{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-feb-08-me-station8-story.html |title=Pupils Feared for Pen Pal in Space|work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=2010-06-10 | first=Sandra | last=Murillo | date=February 8, 2003}}</ref> Bowersox was active in the [[Boy Scouts of America]], and is an [[Eagle Scout (Boy Scouts of America)|Eagle Scout]].<ref name="astro-bsa">{{Cite web|url=http://www.scouting.org/About/FactSheets/scouting_space.aspx |title=Scouting and Space Exploration |publisher=Boy Scouts of America |access-date=2010-06-10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303213130/http://www.scouting.org/about/factsheets/scouting_space.aspx |archive-date=2016-03-03 }}</ref> He earned a [[Bachelor of Science]] degree in [[aerospace engineering]] from the [[United States Naval Academy]] in [[Annapolis, Maryland]], before receiving his commission in 1978. A year later, in 1979, he received a [[Master of Science]] degree in [[mechanical engineering]] from [[Columbia University]] in [[New York City]], [[New York (state)|New York]]. Bowersox attended the [[U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School]] and graduated with Class 85A.<ref name=TPS50>{{Cite book |title=USAF Test Pilot School 50 Years and Beyond |publisher=Privately Published |year=1994 |page=240 }}</ref> He served as a [[test pilot]] on [[A-7E]] and [[F/A-18]] aircraft, and was selected as an astronaut candidate in 1987. Bowersox holds the rank of [[Captain (naval)|Captain]] in the [[United States Navy]].
-===Astronaut Career===
+== NASA career ==
 He was selected as an Astronaut Pilot by NASA in 1987.
-====Space Shuttle missions====
-[[File:Kenneth D. Bowersox in shuttle.jpg|thumb|left| Bowersox pictured during STS-73, prior to re-entry]]
-Bowersox first flew as a pilot on the [[Space Shuttle]] missions [[STS-50]] and [[STS-61]], he commanded missions [[STS-73]], a [[microgravity]] research mission and [[STS-82]], a [[Hubble Space Telescope]] repair mission.
-====ISS Expedition 6====
+=== STS-50 ===
+{{Main|STS-50}}
-[[File:Ken Bowersox aboard ISS.jpg|thumb|right| Bowersox pictured on the ISS]]
+[[File:STS050-53-019 - Ken Bowersox making a sandwich in the mid deck.jpg|thumb|right|Bowersox making a sandwich during STS-50]]
-He launched on [[STS-113]] with [[Don Pettit]] and [[Nikolai Budarin]] for an extended stay aboard the ISS as the commander of ISS [[Expedition 6]] in 2002 and 2003, returning aboard [[Soyuz TMA-1]] rather than the Space Shuttle as a result of the fleet's grounding following the [[Space Shuttle Columbia disaster|Space Shuttle ''Columbia'' disaster]], which occurred during Bowersox's tour aboard the Station. During Expedition 6, Bowersox performed 2 EVAs with Pettit, totalling over 13 hours in cumulative EVA time.
+Bowersox's first mission was STS-50 aboard the [[Space Shuttle Columbia|''Columbia'']], where he served as the pilot.<ref name="STS-50">{{cite web |last1=Ryba |first1=Jeanne |title=STS-50 |url=https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/archives/sts-50.html |website=Mission Archives |publisher=[[NASA]] |access-date=6 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506154912/https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/archives/sts-50.html |archive-date=6 May 2021 |date=31 March 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> The mission launched on June 25, 1992, from [[Launch Complex 39A]] at the [[Kennedy Space Center]], Florida at 16:12:23 UTC.<ref name="ssmr-sts50">{{cite web |title=STS-50 Space Shuttle Mission Report |url=https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19930016803/downloads/19930016803.pdf |publisher=[[NASA]] |access-date=26 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220515083324/https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19930016803/downloads/19930016803.pdf |archive-date=15 May 2022 |date=August 1992 |url-status=live}}</ref>{{rp|page=2}} Its primary objective was to conduct experiments in the U.S. Microgravity Laboratory 1 (USML-1), a [[Spacelab]] module dedicated to the study of microgravity. This module housed experiments related to fluid dynamics, crystal growth, combustion, and biological processes.<ref name="ssmr-sts50" />{{rp|pages=23–26}}
+The mission concluded with a landing at the [[Shuttle Landing Facility]], Florida on July 9, 1992, at 11:42:27 UTC.<ref name="ssmr-sts50" />{{rp|page=5}}
-===After NASA===
+=== STS-61 ===
+{{Main|STS-61}}
+[[File:STS-61 Crewmembers prepare Covers for Magnetometers on Hubble Space Telescope (27847414510).jpg|thumb|right|Bowersox (center) and crewmates in orbit during STS-61]]
+Bowersox's second mission was STS-61 aboard the [[Space Shuttle Endeavour|''Endeavour'']], in which he served as the pilot.<ref name="STS-61">{{cite web |last1=Ryba |first1=Jeanne |title=STS-61 |url=https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/archives/sts-61.html |website=Mission Archives |publisher=[[NASA]] |access-date=7 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507070108/https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/archives/sts-61.html |archive-date=7 May 2021 |date=31 March 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> The mission was launched on December 2, 1993, from [[Launch Complex 39B]] at 09:27:00 UTC.<ref name="ssmr-sts61">{{cite web |title=STS-61 Space Shuttle Mission Report |url=https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19950016770/downloads/19950016770.pdf |publisher=[[NASA]] |access-date=26 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405051331/https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19950016770/downloads/19950016770.pdf |archive-date=5 April 2023 |date=February 1994 |url-status=live}}</ref>{{rp|2}} The mission's primary objective was the first servicing of the [[Hubble Space Telescope]], during which astronauts performed a series of spacewalks to repair and upgrade the telescope's systems, thereby restoring its optical performance and extending its operational lifespan.<ref name="ssmr-sts61" />{{rp|1}} STS-61 concluded with the ''Endeavour'' landing successfully at the Shuttle Landing Facility on December 13, 1993, at 05:25:37 UTC.<ref name="ssmr-sts61" />{{rp|4}}
+=== STS-73 ===
+{{Main|STS-73}}
+[[File:Kenneth D. Bowersox in shuttle.jpg|thumb|right|Bowersox pictured in the shuttle commander's seat during STS-73, prior to re-entry]]
+Bowersox's third mission was STS-73 aboard the ''[[Space Shuttle Columbia|Columbia]]'', where he served for the first time as the mission commander.<ref name="STS-73">{{cite web |last1=Ryba |first1=Jeanne |title=STS-73 |url=https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/archives/sts-73.html |website=Mission Archives |publisher=[[NASA]] |access-date=7 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507071112/https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/archives/sts-73.html |archive-date=7 May 2021 |date=1 April 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> The mission was launched on October 20, 1995, from [[Launch Complex 39B]] at 13:53:00 UTC.<ref name="ssmr-sts73">{{cite web |title=STS-73 Space Shuttle Mission Report |url=https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19970001426/downloads/19970001426.pdf |publisher=[[NASA]] |access-date=26 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405053915/https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19970001426/downloads/19970001426.pdf |archive-date=5 April 2023 |date=December 1995 |url-status=live}}</ref>{{rp|3}} STS-73's primary objective was to conduct a series of experiments in the U.S. Microgravity Laboratory-2 (USML-2), focusing on materials science, biotechnology, [[combustion science]], and fluid mechanics in the unique microgravity environment of space.<ref name="ssmr-sts73" /> The mission concluded with ''Columbia'' landing successfully at the Shuttle Landing Facility on November 5, 1995, at 11:45:21 UTC.<ref name="ssmr-sts73" />{{rp|8}}
+=== STS-82 ===
+{{Main|STS-82}}
+Bowersox's fourth mission in space was STS-82 aboard the [[Space Shuttle Discovery|''Discovery'']], where he served as the mission commander. The mission launched on February 11, 1997, from [[Launch Complex 39A]] at 08:55:17 UTC.<ref name="sts82-debris">{{cite tech report |last= |first= |title=Debris/Ice/TPS Assessment and Integrated Photographic Analysis of Shuttle Mission STS-82 |url=https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19970016808/downloads/19970016808.pdf |institution=[[NASA]] |date=April 1997 |access-date=27 August 2023}}</ref>{{rp|3}} STS-82 was the second servicing mission to the [[Hubble Space Telescope]].<ref name="STS-82">{{cite web |title=STS-82 |url=https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/archives/sts-82.html |website=Mission Archives |publisher=[[NASA]] |access-date=May 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507090714/https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/archives/sts-82.html |archive-date=May 7, 2021 |date=November 23, 2007 |url-status=live}}</ref> During the mission, astronauts performed a series of spacewalks to install new instruments and conduct repairs on the telescope.
+The tasks undertaken aimed to enhance the telescope's operational capabilities. Following the completion of its objectives, STS-82 concluded with ''Discovery'' landing at the Shuttle Landing Facility on February 21, 1997, at 08:32:00 UTC.<ref name="STS-82" />
+=== ISS Expedition 6 ===
+{{Main|Expedition 6}}
+[[File:Ken Bowersox aboard ISS.jpg|thumb|right|Bowersox pictured on the ISS]]
+Bowersox served as the commander of Expedition 6 to the International Space Station (ISS). Alongside him were crewmates [[Nikolai Budarin]] and [[Donald Pettit]].<ref name="STS-113-MCCSR-1">{{cite web |last2=Petty |first2=John Ira |author1=Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center |author1-link=Johnson Space Center |title=STS-113 Mission Control Center Status Report #1 |url=https://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/news/shuttle/sts-113/STS-113-01.html |website=Johnson News |publisher=[[NASA]] |access-date=7 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507070602/https://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/news/shuttle/sts-113/STS-113-01.html |archive-date=7 May 2021 |location=[[Houston, Texas]] |date=23 November 2002 |url-status=live}}</ref> As commander, Bowersox was responsible for the overall success of the mission and the safety of his crew.<ref name="Exp6-PressKit">{{cite web |title=Expedition 6 Press Kit |url=http://www.shuttlepresskit.com/STS-113/SPK_Expd-6.pdf |website=NASA |publisher=[[NASA]] |access-date=26 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090716154249/http://www.shuttlepresskit.com/STS-113/SPK_Expd-6.pdf |archive-date=16 July 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
+The expedition commenced with the crew's launch aboard the Space Shuttle ''Endeavour'' from Launch Complex 39A on November 23, 2002, at 00:49 UTC.<ref name="STS-113-MCCSR-1" /> They docked with the ISS on November 25, 2002, at 21:59 UTC.<ref name="STS-113-MCCSR-5">{{cite web |title=STS-113 Mission Control Center Status Report #5 |url=https://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/news/shuttle/sts-113/STS-113-05.html |website=Johnson News |publisher=[[NASA]] |access-date=26 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507070815/https://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/news/shuttle/sts-113/STS-113-05.html |archive-date=7 May 2021 |location=[[Houston, Texas]] |date=25 November 2002 |url-status=live}}</ref> During their stay, the crew conducted several scientific experiments in the microgravity of space and performed two spacewalks to continue outfitting and maintenance on the ISS.<ref name="Exp6-PressKit" /> Originally set to return aboard STS-114, the Expedition 6 crew's descent was shifted to the Russian Soyuz TMA-1 spacecraft due to the ''Columbia'' tragedy. They landed near Arkalyk, Kazakhstan, on May 4, 2003, at 02:04 UTC.<ref name="ESA-HardSafeLanding">{{cite web |title=A hard but safe landing |url=https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/International_Space_Station/A_hard_but_safe_landing |website=European Space Agency |publisher=[[ESA]] |access-date=26 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230506223526/https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/International_Space_Station/A_hard_but_safe_landing |archive-date=6 May 2023 |date=12 May 2003 |url-status=live}}</ref>
+== After NASA ==
 Bowersox retired from NASA on September 30, 2006. On June 16, 2009 he was appointed vice president of Astronaut Safety and Mission Assurance at [[SpaceX]]. He was inducted into the [[Astronaut Hall of Fame]] on June 8, 2010, four days after the [[Falcon 9 Flight 1|first successful launch]] of SpaceX's [[Falcon 9]] rocket.<ref>NASA TV airing U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame Induction on June 5 http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2010/jun/HQ_M10-085_Astro_Hall_of_Fame.html</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/39431358/florida_today/|title=Astronauts Enter Hall|newspaper=Florida Today|location=Cocoa, Florida|date=June 6, 2010|page=1B|last1=Best|first1=Keilani|via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
-It was reported on January 17, 2012 that Bowersox resigned from SpaceX in late December 2011.
+It was reported on January 17, 2012, that Bowersox resigned from SpaceX in late December 2011.
-Bowersox appeared on three episodes of the American TV show ''[[Home Improvement (TV series)|Home Improvement]]''.
+Bowersox appeared on three episodes of the American TV show ''[[Home Improvement (TV series)|Home Improvement]]''. Series 3, Episode 24, titled "Reality Bytes", aired 18 May 1994.
-===NASA administration===
+== NASA administration ==
+[[File:NASA's SpaceX Crew-7 Flight Readiness Review (FRR) (KSC-20230821-PH-KLS01 0108).jpg|thumb|Bowersox, as Associate Administrator for Space Operations, during a [[Flight Readiness Review]] panel in 2023.]]
-In July 2019, Bowersox became NASA's Acting Associate Administrator for the Human Exploration Operations Mission Directorate, replacing [[William Gerstenmaier]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/7/10/20689737/nasa-william-gerstenmaier-associate-administrator-human-exploration-demoted|title=Head of NASA’s human exploration program demoted as agency pushes for Moon return|date=July 10, 2019}}</ref> In May of 2020, Bowersox again became NASA's Acting Associate Administrator for the Human Exploration Operations Mission Directorate, replacing Douglas Loverro.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Feldscher |first1=Jacqueline |title=NASA's human spaceflight chief ousted just before big launch |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2020/05/19/nasa-human-spaceflight-director-ousted-268327 |accessdate=19 May 2020 |publisher=Politico}}</ref>
+In July 2019, Bowersox became NASA's Acting Associate Administrator for the Human Exploration Operations Mission Directorate, replacing [[William Gerstenmaier]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/7/10/20689737/nasa-william-gerstenmaier-associate-administrator-human-exploration-demoted|title=Head of NASA's human exploration program demoted as agency pushes for Moon return|date=July 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403210213/https://www.theverge.com/2019/7/10/20689737/nasa-william-gerstenmaier-associate-administrator-human-exploration-demoted |archive-date=April 3, 2023 |url-status=live |last1=Grush |first1=Loren |work=[[The Verge]] }}</ref> In May 2020, Bowersox again became NASA's Acting Associate Administrator for the Human Exploration Operations Mission Directorate, replacing Douglas Loverro.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Feldscher |first1=Jacqueline |title=NASA's human spaceflight chief ousted just before big launch |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2020/05/19/nasa-human-spaceflight-director-ousted-268327  |date=19 May 2020 |access-date=19 May 2020 |work=[[Politico]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230527062028/https://www.politico.com/news/2020/05/19/nasa-human-spaceflight-director-ousted-268327 |archive-date=27 May 2023 |url-status=live }}</ref>
+In May 2023, Bowersox was named the associate administrator of the Space Operations Mission Directorate.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bennet |first=Jamie |date=2023-03-28 |title=Ken Bowersox to Succeed Kathryn Lueders as Associate Administrator of NASA Space Operations; Bill Nelson Quoted |url=https://executivegov.com/2023/03/ken-bowersox-to-become-associate-administrator-of-nasa-space-operations/ |access-date=2024-08-25 |language=en-US}}</ref>
-==Awards and decorations==
+== Awards and decorations ==
 Bowersox is a recipient of the [[National Defense Service Medal]] with award star, [[Global War on Terrorism Service Medal]], [[Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon]] and [[NASA Space Flight Medal]] with four award stars.
 On October 26, 1995, Bowersox threw out the [[ceremonial first pitch]] at Game 5 of the [[1995 World Series]].
-==References==
+== References ==
 {{reflist}}
-==Attribution==
+== Attribution ==
 {{Include-NASA}}
-==External links==
+== External links ==
+{{Commons category}}
-{{commonscat}}
+* {{cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/bowersox_kenneth_0.pdf |title=KENNETH D. BOWERSOX (CAPTAIN, USN, RET.), NASA ASTRONAUT (FORMER) |date=October 2019 |access-date=June 24, 2021|publisher=NASA}}
-* [http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/bowersox.html NASA Biography]
 * [http://www.spacefacts.de/bios/astronauts/english/bowersox_kenneth.htm Spacefacts biography of Ken Bowersox]
 *[http://www.space.com/14286-ken-bowersox-quits-spacex-commercial-space.html Space.com announcement of Bowersox's resignation from SpaceX]
-{{NASA_Astronaut_Group_12}}
+{{NASA Astronaut Group 12|state=expanded}}
+{{U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame}}
 {{DEFAULTSORT:Bowersox, Ken}}
 [[Category:1956 births]]
 [[Category:Living people]]
-[[Category:American astronauts]]
 [[Category:United States Navy astronauts]]
 [[Category:Commanders of the International Space Station]]
-[[Category:Crew members of the International Space Station]]
 [[Category:United States Astronaut Hall of Fame inductees]]
 [[Category:People from Portsmouth, Virginia]]
@@ Line 76: / Line 113: @@
 [[Category:American test pilots]]
 [[Category:Aviators from Virginia]]
-[[Category:Eagle Scouts (Boy Scouts of America)]]
 [[Category:Space Shuttle program astronauts]]
 [[Category:Bedford North Lawrence High School alumni]]
+[[Category:Spacewalkers]]