Robert L. Gibson

Robert L. Gibson (born October 30, 1946) is a retired American naval aviator, test pilot, aeronautical engineer, and NASA astronaut. Born in Cooperstown, New York, he graduated from California Polytechnic State University with a degree in aeronautical engineering before entering the U.S. Navy. Gibson became a highly experienced fighter and test pilot and was selected by NASA as an astronaut in 1978. He flew on five Space Shuttle missions between 1984 and 1995. His first flight was STS-41-B aboard Challenger, and he later commanded four missions: STS-61-C aboard Columbia, STS-27 aboard Atlantis, STS-47 aboard Endeavour, and STS-71 aboard Atlantis. STS-71 was particularly significant because it marked the first Space Shuttle docking with the Russian space station Mir, an important step in U.S.-Russian cooperation in space. Over his NASA career, Gibson accumulated more than 36 days in space. After leaving NASA, he continued working in aviation and became involved in commercial test flying and air racing. He is widely respected for his extensive experience in military aviation, experimental aircraft, and human spaceflight.