About
Robert Laurel Crippen is a retired American naval officer, aviator, test pilot, aerospace engineer, and astronaut. He is celebrated for piloting STS-1, the inaugural Space Shuttle mission in April 1981. Crippen went on to command three subsequent Space Shuttle missions. His career also included involvement in the Manned Orbiting Laboratory (MOL) program, the Skylab Medical Experiment Altitude Test (SMEAT), and the Space Shuttle's Approach and Landing Tests (ALT).
Career Timeline
Joined NASA Astronaut Corps
Crippen is selected as an astronaut, starting his space career.
Pilots STS-1 Mission
Crippen pilots the first Space Shuttle mission, a historic achievement.
Commands STS-41-C Mission
Crippen commands another Space Shuttle mission, furthering his space experience.
Retires from NASA
Crippen retires after a distinguished career, leaving a lasting legacy.
Joins Thiokol as VP
Crippen transitions to the private sector, leveraging his experience.
Retired Astronaut, Space Pioneer
Crippen is remembered as a pioneer of the Space Shuttle program.
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Last updated: February 25, 2026