NASA Astronaut Richard ‘Mike’ Mullane
Los Alamos Historical Society News:
The Los Alamos Historical Society announces its first lecture of the season will feature NASA Astronaut Richard “Mike” Mullane. This free event is 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10 in the Pajarito Room at Fuller Lodge.
Colonel Mullane, born Sept. 10, 1945, in Wichita Falls, Texas, and a longtime resident of Albuquerque brings a wealth of experience and inspiration to the community. As a child of the space race, Mullane embarked on his own rocket experiments in the deserts near his childhood home, setting the stage for a remarkable career in aerospace.
Following his graduation from West Point in 1967, Mullane was commissioned into the United States Air Force, where he served as a Weapon Systems Operator aboard RF-4C Phantom aircraft, completing 134 combat missions during the Vietnam War. His academic achievements include a Master’s of Science Degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology and graduation from the Air Force Flight Test Engineer School at Edwards Air Force Base, California.
In 1978, Mullane was selected as a Mission Specialist in the first group of Space Shuttle Astronauts. Over his distinguished career, he completed three space missions aboard the shuttles Discovery (STS-41D) and Atlantis (STS-27 & 36). He retired from NASA and the Air Force in 1990, and his accolades include induction into the International Space Hall of Fame and numerous awards including the Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit, and the NASA Space Flight Medal.
Since retiring, Colonel Mullane has authored several notable books, including the award-winning children’s book Liftoff! An Astronaut’s Dream, the popular space-fact book Do Your Ears Pop In Space?, and his memoir Riding Rockets: The Outrageous Tales of a Space Shuttle Astronaut. His memoir has been recognized by the New York Times and featured on Barnes and Noble’s 2010 recommended summer reading list.
The lecture, titled “General Space Interest”, promises to be an engaging exploration of space and aeronautics, taken from Mullanes extensive experience and unique perspectives.
For more information about Colonel Mullane, visit https://mikemullane.com.
The Los Alamos Historical Society extends a heartfelt appreciation to TechSource, Inc. for their generous sponsorship of the Lecture Series and their commitment to supporting the community.
To view lectures online, visit the Los Alamos Historical Society YouTube channel here.
