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NASA Astronaut Donald R. Pettit

Donald R. Pettit was selected as a NASA astronaut in 1996 and served as a flight engineer on the International Space Station for Expedition 30 and 31, where he lived in space for more than a year. Pettit launched to the International Space Station aboard the Roscosmos Soyuz MS-26 spacecraft September 11, 2024, accompanied by Roscosmos cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner.

Quick Facts

Pettit was a member of the Synthesis Group, a presidential commission lead by Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Tom Stafford tasked with assembling the technology to return to the Moon and explore Mars (1990) and the Space Station Freedom Redesign Team (1993).

Pettit was a member of the Synthesis Group, a presidential commission lead by Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Tom Stafford tasked with assembling the technology to return to the Moon and explore Mars (1990) and the Space Station Freedom Redesign Team (1993).

The Silverton, Oregon native holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Oregon State University and a Doctorate in Chemical Engineering from the University of Arizona.

The Silverton, Oregon native holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Oregon State University and a Doctorate in Chemical Engineering from the University of Arizona.

A veteran of three spaceflights, Pettit served as NASA Science Officer for Expedition 6 in 2003, operated the robotic arm for STS-126 in 2008 and served as a Flight Engineer for Expedition 30/31 in 2012.

A veteran of three spaceflights, Pettit served as NASA Science Officer for Expedition 6 in 2003, operated the robotic arm for STS-126 in 2008 and served as a Flight Engineer for Expedition 30/31 in 2012.

(9 September 2020) xEMU/Z2 EVA Hardware Review – Don Pettit (Z2), Randy Bresnik/Scott Wray (KM97). (Credit: NASA/Bill Brassard)

(21 August 2002) Astronaut Donald R. Pettit. (Credit: NASA)

(15 January 2003) Astronaut Donald R. Pettit, Expedition 6 NASA ISS science officer, uses a camera after performing P1 (P-One) Truss launch lock releases on the International Space Station (ISS) during a session of extravehicular activity (EVA). Earth’s horizon and the blackness of space provide the backdrop for this scene.

(20 December 2002) Astronaut Donald R. Pettit, Expedition Six NASA ISS science officer, performs in-flight maintenance (IFM) in the Destiny laboratory on the International Space Station (ISS).

(14 November 2008) After suiting up, the STS-126 crewmembers pause alongside the Astrovan to wave farewell to onlookers before heading for launch pad 39A for the launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour on the STS-126 mission. From the right are astronauts Chris Ferguson, commander; Eric Boe, pilot; Donald Pettit, Steve Bowen, Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper, Shane Kimbrough and Sandra Magnus, all mission specialists. Magnus will join Expedition 18 in progress to serve as a flight engineer aboard the International Space Station. The mission will feature four spacewalks and work that will prepare the space station to house six crew members for long-duration missions.

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Biography

Donald Pettit

Learn more about astronaut Donald Pettit, including his flight experience, hobbies, education, background and more.

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Pettit participates in an EMU spacesuit fit check.

(27 August 2002) Pettit participates in an EMU spacesuit fit check. (Credit: NASA/Robert Markowitz)

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