NASA picture of astronaut Thomas K. Mattingly II. Credit: NASA
Thomas Kenneth Mattingly II, retired United States Navy Rear Admiral and differentiated NASA astronaut, died on October 31, 2023, at the age of 87. Known affectionately as TK, Mattinglys profession was marked by his brave contributions to the U.S. area program and his notable role in the historic Apollo objectives.
Born on March 17, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois, TK Mattinglys passion for aviation and area expedition took flight early in his life. He went on to receive his wings in 1960 after joining the U.S. Navy, where he served with difference. His quality as a pilot and his eager intellect led him to NASA, where he signed up with the astronaut class of 1966.
Throughout his storied career, Mattingly was involved in essential aspects of the Apollo program. Mattingly even more left his mark as the spacecraft leader for area shuttle missions STS-4 and STS 51-C, illustrating the versatility and leadership that became his hallmark.
Born on March 17, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois, TK Mattinglys enthusiasm for aviation and space exploration took flight early in his life. His excellence as a pilot and his eager intellect led him to NASA, where he joined the astronaut class of 1966.
Throughout his storied profession, Mattingly was included in crucial aspects of the Apollo program. Mattingly further left his mark as the spacecraft leader for space shuttle bus objectives STS-4 and STS 51-C, highlighting the adaptability and management that became his hallmark.
The following is a statement from NASA Administrator Bill Nelson on the passing of previous NASA astronaut Rear Adm. (ret.) Thomas K. (TK) Mattingly II.
” We lost among our countrys heroes on October 31 NASA astronaut TK Mattingly was crucial to the success of our Apollo Program, and his shining character will guarantee he is kept in mind throughout history.
” Beginning his profession with the U.S. Navy, TK received his wings in 1960 and flew numerous airplane throughout numerous assignments. As soon as he signed up with the Air Force Aerospace Research Pilot School as a trainee, NASA picked him to be part of the astronaut class in 1966. Before flying in space, he aided the Apollo Program working as the astronaut support team and took leadership in the development of the Apollo spacesuit and knapsack.
” His unequaled ability as a pilot aided us when he took on the role of command module pilot for Apollo 16 and spacecraft leader for area shuttle missions STS-4 and STS 51-C. The dedication to development and resilience towards opposition made TK an excellent figure to embody our objective and our nations admiration.
” Perhaps his most dramatic role at NASA wanted direct exposure to rubella right before the launch of Apollo 13. He stayed behind and offered crucial real-time choices to effectively bring home the injured spacecraft and the crew of Apollo 13– NASA astronauts James Lovell, Jack Swigert, and Fred Haise.
” TKs contributions have actually permitted advancements in our finding out beyond that of space. He described his experience in orbit by saying, I had this really palpable worry that if I saw excessive, I couldnt remember. It was so outstanding. He viewed deep spaces vastness as an unending forum of possibilities. As a leader in exploratory missions, TK will be remembered for braving the unknown for the sake of our countrys future.”
Astronaut Thomas K. Mattingly II (right foreground), command module pilot of the Apollo 16 lunar landing mission, participates in extravehicular activity (EVA) training in Building 5 at the Manned Spacecraft Center (MSC). Credit: NASA
Possibly one of the most substantial minutes of Mattinglys profession came during the Apollo 13 mission. He was grounded due to exposure to rubella, Mattingly played a crucial function in the safe return of his fellow astronauts, showcasing his undeviating devotion to the program and his colleagues.
TK Mattinglys effect extended beyond his technical contributions. His eloquence and self-questioning provided a window into the profound experiences of space travel.
Astronauts Thomas K. Mattingly II (left) and Henry W. Hartsfield Jr., STS-4 commander and pilot, respectively, get in some training time in the motion base Shuttle Mission Simulator (SMS) at the Johnson Space Centers Mission Simulations and Training Facility. Credit: NASA
His decors consisted of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, and various other awards that affirmed to his extraordinary service. Mattingly was not just an astronaut; he was an explorer at heart, who braved the huge unknown for the improvement of humanity.
Mattingly is made it through by his household, who shared and supported his passion for exploration. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of explorers who seek to the stars and imagine the possibilities that lie within the universes.
As we grieve the loss of this remarkable person, we likewise celebrate his exceptional life– a life that encapsulated the spirit of adventure and the dedication to pressing the borders of human achievement. Ad Astra, Rear Adm. Thomas K. Mattingly II, might your last journey be as marvelous as those you undertook amongst the stars.
When he joined the Air Force Aerospace Research Pilot School as a trainee, NASA selected him to be part of the astronaut class in 1966.