Military astronauts that aren't pilots?

21brewera

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I know that many of the astronauts that come from the military are pilots, but I wondered if any were more engineering oriented. I know that I would like to join the military and a major goal of mine would be to become an astronaut (highly unlikely, I know). I also know that engineering roles don't really get to do a whole lot of "engineering" things, but if you were to be say, a flight test engineer or something similar, would that set you up for a competitive astronaut application? What kinds of opportunities does the military have to engineering careers?
 
This isn't the engineers you refer to but physicians go to space often.
 
I know that many of the astronauts that come from the military are pilots, but I wondered if any were more engineering oriented. I know that I would like to join the military and a major goal of mine would be to become an astronaut (highly unlikely, I know). I also know that engineering roles don't really get to do a whole lot of "engineering" things, but if you were to be say, a flight test engineer or something similar, would that set you up for a competitive astronaut application? What kinds of opportunities does the military have to engineering careers?
Kayla Barron is a submariner. This is not the most updated bio on her. Look for some relatively recent references to see what she is doing as an astronaut.

There’s also a prior enlisted Navy SEAL astronaut.

I’m prepping for a work meeting so not able to pull the references I recall.

Search the “Academy and Military News” thread. I know there’s a thread there with recent news, last few months.
 
Kayla Barron is a submariner. This is not the most updated bio on her. Look for some relatively recent references to see what she is doing as an astronaut.

There’s also a prior enlisted Navy SEAL astronaut.

I’m prepping for a work meeting so not able to pull the references I recall.

Search the “Academy and Military News” thread. I know there’s a thread there with recent news, last few months.
Kay Hire was an NFO, not a pilot
 
^ Kay Hire was one of my NFO Nav Instructors back in the 80's. ; Looks like Kayla Barron is an 2010 grad.
A former teammate of mine and we have done Army/Navy tailgates/parties together over the years as well as connected at
various conferences, etc. A great Naval Officer and representative of USNA.
 
Jonny Kim is the US Navy Lieutenant, former Seal, physician and NASA astronaut. I heard about him on Jocko's podcast, very interesting story.
 
Susan Helms was a Flight Test Engineer who later retired as a 3 Star
 
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