Michael P. Anderson

Michael P. Anderson's path to the stars was paved with quiet dedication and a deep love for science. An Air Force officer with a master's degree in physics, he flew EC-135 aircraft before being selected by NASA in 1994, part of a class noted for its diversity and technical prowess. As a mission specialist and payload commander, Anderson was the guardian of the science on his flights. His first mission aboard Endeavour in 1998 studied how microgravity affects materials and biological systems. His second, and final, flight was on Columbia in 2003, where he was responsible for over 80 experiments spanning life and physical sciences. A humble and deeply religious man, he saw spaceflight as a way to serve and inspire. On February 1, 2003, Anderson and his six crewmates perished during re-entry. In his death, as in his life, he became a poignant reminder of the risks inherent in exploration and the noble pursuit of knowledge that drives it forward.