Michael J. Smith
Pilot

Mike Smith was selected as an astronaut candidate in May 1980, and was assigned to NASA while continuing his career as an officer in the U.S. Navy.

After completing a one-year training and evaluation period, he qualified for future space shuttle missions as a pilot. Prior to being selected for the 51-L mission, Smith served with NASA as a commander in the Shuttle Avionics Division and technical assistant to the director, Flight Operations Directorate.

Mike was assigned to the Advanced Jet Training Command in 1969, serving as an instructor until March 1971. He served a tour of duty in Vietnam as a pilot in an attack squadron aboard USS KITTY HAWK. After completing Navy Test Pilot School in 1974, he returned as an instructor in 1976. His next assignment was with Attack Squadron 75, where he served as maintenance and operations officer for two SIXTH Fleet deployments to the Mediterranean aboard USS SARATOGA.

Mike graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1967, ranked 108 in a class of 893. He attended the U.S. Navy Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, where he earned his master of science in aeronautical engineering. Upon completing his aviation jet training in Texas, he received his wings as a Naval Aviator in May 1969.

Mike Smith was born April 30, 1945, in Beaufort, North Carolina. During his career, he flew 20 types of civilian and military aircraft, and logged 4,867.7 hours of flying time. He was promoted posthumously by Congress to the rank of Navy Captain, and has had a Chair named in his honor at the U.S. Navy Postgraduate School.

He is survived by his wife, the former Jane Jarrell, and their three children, Scott, Alison and Erin.

Additional Information

Read Michael Smith's official NASA biography.