Auburn recognizes university’s astronauts in time for National Space Day

Auburn University has had a hand in advancing the space exploration mission through the years. Keep reading to see how they are recognizing the Auburn people, programs and partnerships that have been a part of space discovery on National Space Day.

In honor of National Space Day

Right in time for National Space Day on May 6, Auburn has created a special webpage to commemorate the contributions of its six astronauts and alumni who have contributed to the pursuit of space exploration.

These are the six Auburn alumni who have earned the coveted title of astronaut:

• Jan Davis ’77
• the late Hank Hartsfield ’54
• T.K. “Ken” Mattingly ’58
• Kathryn Thornton ’74
• Jim Voss ’72
• the late Clifton Curtis Williams

Each has been awarded the Auburn Alumni Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award and combined to fly more than 20 space missions during their careers.

Preparing students

Auburn is well known for preparing students for exciting and rewarding careers in science and engineering. Those astronauts all come from Auburn’s College of Engineering and College of Sciences and Mathematics.

“Auburn’s history with NASA, the space program and our country’s defense system is one of the richest in the nation. We are so proud of the Auburn engineers who have helped pave the way, and we’re excited to play an even larger role in the 21st  century as our country explores new frontiers to make our lives more efficient and our world a safer place.”

Steve Taylor, interim dean, Samuel Ginn College of Engineering

Auburn in space

Auburn University and its alumni have played a great part in advancing the nation’s efforts in space exploration. According to the University’s website:

• 488 Auburn alumni have worked for NASA
• 20 space missions have involved an Auburn astronaut
• 3 of 10 former Kennedy Space Center directors are Auburn alumni

The work of countless Auburn alumni is chronicled in the new site that includes a news feed featuring past space-related articles published through Auburn. The webpage celebrates Auburn University’s dedication to service and discovery. The future looks bright for Auburn and space exploration!

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