AME Astronauts Prove That Space Is Wildcat Country

The University of Arizona has sent six astronauts from Tucson to outer space – three of whom were proud graduates of the department of aerospace and mechanical engineering.

Dick Scobee, who received a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering in 1965, started a tradition that continues long after his untimely death during the 1986 launch of the space shuttle Challenger.

AME's second astronaut, Woody Spring, was a motorcycle-riding, scuba-diving West Point grad back from two tours of flying in Vietnam. He earned a master's degree in aerospace engineering in 1974.

Fernando Caldeiro, who received an MS in mechanical engineering in 1984, devoted his NASA career to the technical support of 52 launches at Kennedy Space Center.

Photos courtesy of NASA