Pilot Russell Smith – NASA Astronaut#
Age (2045): 38
Mission Role: Pilot (PLT) – Payload Release & Recovery Operations, Erebus 2
Education
- B.S. Aerospace Engineering, United States Air Force Academy – focus on flight dynamics and vehicle structures
- M.S. Systems Engineering, Stanford University – thesis on autonomous rendezvous‑and‑dock algorithms for reusable spacecraft
Flight & Space Experience
- 15 years as a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, accumulating 1,150 hours total flight time (≈ 950 hours in front‑line combat aircraft).
- Aircraft flown: Legacy F‑35A Lightning II (air‑to‑air/air‑to‑ground missions) and newly commissioned X‑40 experimental supersonic platform, providing experience with cutting‑edge avionics and high‑performance propulsion.
- Simulator expertise: 780 simulated shuttle landings and 720 hours in the T‑38 trainer fleet, honing precision maneuvering and emergency‑procedure proficiency.
- Orbital experience: None yet—this will be the first spaceflight, aligning with NASA’s policy for pilots entering the command stream.
Qualifications & Specialized Skills
- NASA Class I Space Physical – meets the highest physiological standards for launch and re‑entry.
- Pilot‑in‑Command Training Program – full certification for crew‑vehicle operation, emergency response, and mission‑critical decision‑making.
- Advanced Orbital Rendezvous Course – mastery of proximity operations, docking dynamics, and orbital mechanics.
- Robotic Arm & Payload Operations: Certified in Canadarm2/European Robotic Arm procedures; experienced in sequencing payload deployments, EVA‑assisted releases, and retrieval maneuvers.
- Mission‑Critical Systems: Proficient with flight‑control software, real‑time telemetry monitoring, and automated payload‑release logic loops.
Mission‑Specific Responsibilities – Erebus 2
- Primary authority for all payload release and recovery: Execute precise timing of deployable experiments, satellite packages, and cryogenic test modules, coordinating with Payload Commander Dr. Fiona Einhaus and Payload Specialists.
- Rendezvous & Capture: Conduct orbital approach burns, align the spacecraft’s docking port with payload carriers, and operate the robotic arm to secure returning hardware for safe stowage.
- Safety Oversight: Perform pre‑flight hazard analyses for each payload operation, verify lock‑out/tag‑out procedures, and lead contingency drills for anomalous releases or failed captures.
- Crew Coordination: Work closely with CDR Cole and CDR Walker to integrate payload timelines into overall mission flight‑plan, ensuring smooth transitions between maneuvering, science, and re‑entry phases.
- Post‑Mission Debrief: Compile detailed performance metrics, lessons learned, and recommendations for future automated payload‑handling systems.
Personal Note
Russell’s 15‑year career as a fighter pilot has forged a blend of split‑second decision‑making, disciplined teamwork, and comfort with high‑performance, high‑risk platforms. Flying the cutting‑edge X‑40 has kept him at the forefront of aerospace technology, preparing him to guide the crew through the intricate choreography of payload release and recovery. Though this will be his inaugural orbit, his extensive flight background ensures the crew can “consider themselves in good hands.”
