Robert L. Behnken

• STS- 123 (2008)
• STS- 130 (2010)

Robert Louis Behnken ( born July 28, 1970 in Creve Coeur, Missouri) is an American astronaut.

Behnken was awarded in 1992 by the Washington University a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and a second bachelor's degree in physics. From the California Institute of Technology, he received a master's degree the following year and was awarded his doctorate in mechanical engineering in 1997.

After studying Behnken went to the United States Air Force. On the Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, he worked on the development of new munitions systems. He was then transferred to the Edwards Air Force Base in California and trained as a test pilot. He completed the course in 1999 with honors and subsequently worked in the testing of F -22 fighter aircraft.

Astronauts activity

In July 2000, Behnken was selected as astronaut candidate by NASA. After training as a mission specialist, he was transferred to the Kennedy Space Center to support the local take-offs and landings of the Space Shuttle.

STS -123

Behnkens first space flight took place in March 2008. The mission STS -123 brought a certain part of the Japanese Kibo module and Canadian Dextre robot hand to the International Space Station.

STS -130

On 5 December 2008, his participation in the mission STS -130 was announced as a mission specialist. The launch took place on 8 February 2010. Along with Nicholas Patrick Behnken led by three spacewalks. The landing took place on 22 February.

Chief NASA astronaut

In July 2012, Behnken took over the post of chief NASA astronauts, after he had previously been representative of the previous incumbent Peggy Whitson.

Private

Behnken is married to astronaut Megan McArthur.