Thomas Stafford, pioneering astronaut, pilot, dies at 93

A retired three-star general, Stafford was also a distinguished fighter pilot, test pilot, flight instructor, and author. After retiring as an aviator, Stafford worked as an advisor for NASA on topics like missions to Mars and returning to flight after the 2003 space shuttle Columbia disaster. Stafford also chaired an oversight committee that orchestrated the successful in-flight repairs to the Hubble Space Telescope completed in the years following its 1990 launch.

Stafford commanded the successful Apollo 10 mission in 1969, which included all aspects of a crewed lunar landing—without the actual landing—to prepare for Apollo 11. The mission included an eight-hour lunar orbit and descent to about nine miles from the moon’s surface.

Following the moon landing of Apollo 11, NASA and its Soviet Union counterpart decided on a joint docking mission in which Stafford was selected to represent the United States. The assignment included language training, and trips to the Soviet Union. The Apollo-Soyuz Test Project took place in 1975 and involved the docking of the American Apollo spacecraft with the Soviet Soyuz capsule. The five astronauts worked together on experiments in space for nine days.

National Aeronautic Association (NAA) Board Chair Jim Albaugh said, "We have lost a giant, Tom was an engineer, a pilot, an astronaut, a mentor, and a friend. He played a large part in so many NASA and Air Force Programs. His kindness and personal touch will be missed by all who knew him."

According to the Air Force, Stafford completed 507 hours and 43 minutes of space flight and accumulated more than 6,800 flight hours. Throughout his career he was honored with numerous awards including the Distinguished Service Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Force Commendation Medal, and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award ribbon. He was also awarded the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, NASA Exceptional Service Medal, and two NAA Harmon International Aviation Trophy for piloting Gemini VI and the Apollo-Soyuz mission, as well as the NAA Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy in 2011.