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{{Short description|Retired NASA astronaut (born 1970)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2015}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2022}}
{{Infobox astronaut
{{Infobox astronaut
| image = Chris Cassidy - Official NASA Astronaut Portrait in EMU.jpg
|name = Chris Cassidy
|image = Chris Cassidy - Official NASA Astronaut Portrait in EMU (cropped).jpg
| caption = Cassidy in 2020
|caption = Official portrait, 2020
⚫
|birth_name = Christopher John Cassidy
⚫
| type = [[NASA]] [[Astronaut]]
⚫
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1970|1|4}}
| status = Retired
| nationality = [[Americans|American]]
|birth_place = [[Salem, Massachusetts]], U.S.
|death_date =
⚫
| birth_name = Christopher John Cassidy
|death_place =
⚫
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1970|1|4}}
⚫
|spouse = Peggy Yancer<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |url=http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies/christopher-j-cassidy/biography |title=Christopher Cassidy (Captain, U.S. Navy) NASA Astronaut |first=Heather |last=Tonnessen |date=February 7, 2016 |website=NASA |access-date=June 9, 2020 |archive-date=September 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910210454/http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies/christopher-j-cassidy/biography |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| birth_place = [[Salem, Massachusetts]], U.S.
⚫
|education = [[United States Naval Academy]] ([[Bachelor of Science|BS]])<br>[[Massachusetts Institute of Technology]] ([[Master of Science|MS]])
|module={{Infobox person |
⚫
|type = [[NASA astronaut]]
child= yes
⚫
|rank = [[Captain (United States O-6)|Captain]], [[United States Navy|USN]]
⚫
| spouse = Peggy Yancer Cassidy<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies/christopher-j-cassidy/biography|title=Christopher Cassidy (Captain, U.S. Navy) NASA Astronaut|first=Heather|last=Tonnessen|date=February 7, 2016|website=NASA}}</ref>
⚫
|selection = [[NASA Astronaut Group 19|NASA Group 19 (2004)]]
⚫
|time = 377d 17h 49m
⚫
|evas = 10
⚫
|eva_time = 54h 51m
⚫
|missions = [[STS-127]]<br>[[Soyuz TMA-08M]] ([[Expedition 35]]/[[Expedition 36|36]])<br>[[Soyuz MS-16]] ([[Expedition 62]]/[[Expedition 63|63]])
⚫
|insignia = [[File:STS-127 patch.png|50px]] [[File:ISS Expedition 35 Patch.png|50px]] [[File:ISS Expedition 36 Patch.png|50px]] [[File:ISS Expedition 62 Patch.png|50px]] [[File:ISS Expedition 63 Patch.png|50px]]
|retirement = May 28, 2021
}}
}}
| occupation = Navy [[United States Navy SEALs|SEAL]]
⚫
| alma_mater = [[United States Naval Academy]] <small>(B.S.)</small><br>[[Massachusetts Institute of Technology]] <small>(M.S.)</small>
⚫
| rank = [[Captain (United States O-6)|Captain]], [[United States Navy|USN]]
⚫
| selection = [[List of astronauts by selection#2004|2004 NASA Group 19]]
⚫
| space_time = 377d 17h 49m
⚫
| evas = 10
⚫
| eva_time = 54 hours and 51 minutes
⚫
| missions = [[STS-127]], [[Soyuz TMA-08M]] ([[Expedition 35]]/[[Expedition 36|36]]), [[Soyuz MS-16]] ([[Expedition 62]]/[[Expedition 63|63]])
⚫
| insignia = [[File:STS-127 patch.png|50px]] [[File:Soyuz-TMA-08M-Mission-Patch.png|45px]] [[File:ISS Expedition 35 Patch.png|50px]] [[File:ISS Expedition 36 Patch.png|50px]] [[File:Soyuz-MS-16-Mission-Patch.png|50px]] [[File:ISS Expedition 62 Patch.png|50px]] [[File:ISS Expedition 63 Patch.png|50px]]
}}

'''Christopher John "Chris" Cassidy''' (born January 4, 1970) is a retired [[NASA]] [[astronaut]] and [[United States Navy SEALs|United States Navy SEAL]]. Chris Cassidy achieved the rank of [[Captain (United States O-6)|captain]] in the [[U.S. Navy]]. His first spaceflight was on a [[Space Shuttle]] mission in 2009. He was the [[Chief of the Astronaut Office]] at NASA from July 2015 until June 2017.
'''Christopher John "Chris" Cassidy''' (born January 4, 1970) is a retired [[NASA]] [[astronaut]] and [[United States Navy SEALs|United States Navy SEAL]]. Chris Cassidy achieved the rank of [[Captain (United States O-6)|captain]] in the [[U.S. Navy]]. His first spaceflight was on a [[Space Shuttle]] mission in 2009. He was the [[Chief of the Astronaut Office]] at NASA from July 2015 until June 2017.


==Early life and education==
==Early life and education==
Cassidy was born in [[Salem, Massachusetts]] on January 4, 1970. He attended [[York High School (Maine)|York High School]], in [[York, Maine]].<ref name="NASA Bio">{{cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies/christopher-j-cassidy/biography|title=Astronaut Bio: Chris Cassidy (3/2011)|date=11 April 2020|publisher=[[National Aeronautics and Space Administration]]|access-date=April 11, 2020}}</ref> He then graduated from the [[Naval Academy Preparatory School]] in [[Newport, Rhode Island]], in 1989. He received a [[Bachelor of Science]] degree in [[mathematics]] at the [[United States Naval Academy]] in 1993 and a [[Master of Science]] degree in [[ocean engineering]] at the [[Massachusetts Institute of Technology]] in 2000
Cassidy was born in [[Salem, Massachusetts]] on January 4, 1970. He attended [[York High School (Maine)|York High School]], in [[York, Maine]].<ref name="NASA Bio">{{cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies/christopher-j-cassidy/biography|title=Astronaut Bio: Chris Cassidy (3/2011)|date=April 11, 2020|publisher=[[National Aeronautics and Space Administration]]|access-date=April 11, 2020|archive-date=May 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514162416/https://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies/christopher-j-cassidy/biography/|url-status=dead}}</ref> He then graduated from the [[Naval Academy Preparatory School]] in [[Newport, Rhode Island]], in 1989. He received a [[Bachelor of Science]] degree in [[mathematics]] at the [[United States Naval Academy]] in 1993 and a [[Master of Science]] degree in [[ocean engineering]] at the [[Massachusetts Institute of Technology]] in 2000.


==Military experience==
==Military experience==
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==NASA career==
==NASA career==
[[File:STS-127 EVA3 Cassidy.jpg|thumb|left|Cassidy participating in the third [[Extra-vehicular activity|EVA]] of the [[STS-127]] mission.]]
[[File:STS-127 EVA3 Cassidy.jpg|thumb|left|Cassidy participating in the third [[Extra-vehicular activity|EVA]] of the [[STS-127]] mission]]
Cassidy was selected as an astronaut candidate by [[NASA]] in May 2004. In February 2006 he completed Astronaut Candidate Training, which included scientific and technical briefings, intensive instruction in [[Space Shuttle]] and [[International Space Station]] systems, physiological training, [[T-38 Talon]] flight training, and water and wilderness survival training. Completion of this initial training qualified him for various technical assignments within the Astronaut Office and future flight assignment as a mission specialist.<ref name="NASA Bio" />
Cassidy was selected as an astronaut candidate by [[NASA]] in May 2004. In February 2006 he completed Astronaut Candidate Training, which included scientific and technical briefings, intensive instruction in [[Space Shuttle]] and [[International Space Station]] systems, physiological training, [[T-38 Talon]] flight training, and water and wilderness survival training. Completion of this initial training qualified him for various technical assignments within the Astronaut Office and future flight assignment as a mission specialist.<ref name="NASA Bio" />


===STS-127===
===STS-127===
In February 2008, Cassidy was assigned to his first spaceflight as a mission specialist on [[STS-127]], a Space Shuttle mission to deliver the Exposed Facility of the [[Japanese Experiment Module]] (JEM-EF) to the ISS aboard [[Space Shuttle Endeavour|Space Shuttle ''Endeavour'']].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2008/feb/HQ_08052_Crew_Announcements.html|title=NASA - NASA Assigns Crews for STS-127 and Expedition 19 Missions|website=www.nasa.gov}}</ref>
In February 2008, Cassidy was assigned to his first spaceflight as a mission specialist on [[STS-127]], a Space Shuttle mission to deliver the Exposed Facility of the [[Japanese Experiment Module]] (JEM-EF) to the ISS aboard [[Space Shuttle Endeavour|Space Shuttle ''Endeavour'']].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2008/feb/HQ_08052_Crew_Announcements.html|title=NASA - NASA Assigns Crews for STS-127 and Expedition 19 Missions|website=www.nasa.gov|access-date=April 20, 2020|archive-date=February 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225044027/https://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2008/feb/HQ_08052_Crew_Announcements.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>


Cassidy and his six fellow crew members lifted off aboard ''Endeavour'' from the [[Kennedy Space Center]] on 15 July 2009.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts127/main/index.html|title=NASA - STS-127|website=www.nasa.gov}}</ref> The seven astronauts docked with the ISS on 17 July, joining the six-person [[Expedition 20]] crew commanded by Russian cosmonaut [[Gennady Padalka]]. This marked the first time that 13 people had been in space together, a record that has not been surpassed since.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/07/sts-127-endeavour-rpm-docking-tps-latest/|title=STS-127: Endeavour completes RPM and Docks with ISS - TPS latest|date=July 17, 2009}}</ref> On 22 July 2009, Cassidy stepped outside the ISS with NASA astronaut [[David Wolf (astronaut)|David Wolf]] for his first spacewalk. The two began work replacing batteries on the P6 [[ISS Truss|Truss]] and continued work on installing the JEM-EF. The EVA was called off after 5 hours and 59 minutes for excess [[carbon dioxide]] in Cassidy's suit.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://spaceflightnow.com/shuttle/sts127/090722fd8/index3.html|title=Spaceflight Now &#124; STS-127 Shuttle Report &#124; Extensive spacewalk replanning underway|website=spaceflightnow.com}}</ref>
Cassidy and his six fellow crew members lifted off aboard ''Endeavour'' from the [[Kennedy Space Center]] on July 15, 2009.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts127/main/index.html|title=NASA - STS-127|website=www.nasa.gov|access-date=April 20, 2020|archive-date=May 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170521233907/https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts127/main/index.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The seven astronauts docked with the ISS on July 17, joining the six-person [[Expedition 20]] crew commanded by Russian cosmonaut [[Gennady Padalka]]. This marked the first time that 13 people had been in space together, a record that has not been surpassed since.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/07/sts-127-endeavour-rpm-docking-tps-latest/|title=STS-127: Endeavour completes RPM and Docks with ISS - TPS latest|date=July 17, 2009}}</ref> On July 22, 2009, Cassidy stepped outside the ISS with NASA astronaut [[David Wolf (astronaut)|David Wolf]] for his first spacewalk. The two began work replacing batteries on the P6 [[ISS Truss|Truss]] and continued work on installing the JEM-EF. The EVA was called off after 5 hours and 59 minutes for excess [[carbon dioxide]] in Cassidy's suit.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://spaceflightnow.com/shuttle/sts127/090722fd8/index3.html|title=Spaceflight Now &#124; STS-127 Shuttle Report &#124; Extensive spacewalk replanning underway|website=spaceflightnow.com}}</ref>


[[File:ISS-36 EVA-3 (d) Chris Cassidy.jpg|thumb|right|Cassidy's space selfie.]]
[[File:ISS-36 EVA-3 (d) Chris Cassidy.jpg|thumb|right|Cassidy's space selfie]]
Over the course of STS-127, Cassidy participated in two more spacewalks with NASA astronaut [[Thomas Marshburn]]. The two completed replacing the batteries on the P6 truss and completed the installation of the JEM-EF during two excursions lasting 7 hours and 12 minutes and 4 hours and 57 minutes, respectively.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://spaceflightnow.com/shuttle/sts127/090727fd13/index4.html|title=Spaceflight Now &#124; STS-127 Shuttle Report &#124; Endeavour crew completes fifth and final spacewalk|website=spaceflightnow.com}}</ref> Cassidy's third spacewalk marked the completion of the Japanese Experiment Module, a feat that took three space shuttle missions starting with [[STS-123]].
Over the course of STS-127, Cassidy participated in two more spacewalks with NASA astronaut [[Thomas Marshburn]]. The two completed replacing the batteries on the P6 truss and completed the installation of the JEM-EF during two excursions lasting 7 hours and 12 minutes and 4 hours and 57 minutes, respectively.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://spaceflightnow.com/shuttle/sts127/090727fd13/index4.html|title=Spaceflight Now &#124; STS-127 Shuttle Report &#124; Endeavour crew completes fifth and final spacewalk|website=spaceflightnow.com}}</ref> Cassidy's third spacewalk marked the completion of the Japanese Experiment Module, a feat that took three space shuttle missions starting with [[STS-123]].


On 31 July 2009, Cassidy returned to the KSC [[Shuttle Landing Facility]], wrapping up his first spaceflight after 15 days in space.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/nasahqphoto/3774939561/|title=STS-127 Shuttle Endeavour Landing (200907310003HQ)|date=July 31, 2009|via=Flickr}}</ref>
On July 31, 2009, Cassidy returned to the KSC [[Shuttle Landing Facility]], wrapping up his first spaceflight after 15 days in space.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/nasahqphoto/3774939561/|title=STS-127 Shuttle Endeavour Landing (200907310003HQ)|date=July 31, 2009|via=Flickr}}</ref>


===Expedition 35/36===
===Expedition 35/36===
Cassidy was assigned to the [[Expedition 35]] crew as a flight engineer and flew to the ISS aboard [[Soyuz TMA-08M]] (''US designation: 34S''), which launched on March 28, 2013.<ref name="NASA Bio" /><ref name="Harding">{{cite web |url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/03/soyuz-tma-08m-crew-iss-record-time/ |title=Soyuz TMA-08M docks with ISS just six hours after launch |first=Pete |last=Harding |publisher=[[NASAspaceflight.com|NASASpaceflight]] |date=March 28, 2013 |access-date=March 30, 2013}}</ref> On May 11, 2013, Cassidy and [[Thomas Marshburn]] performed an unplanned spacewalk to replace a pump controller box suspected to be the source of an ammonia coolant leak.<ref name="Pearlman">{{cite web |url=http://www.space.com/21098-unplanned-spacewalks-space-station-history.html |title=Unplanned Spacewalk a 'Precedent-Setting' Move for Space Station Crew |last=Pearlman |first=Robert Z. |author-link=Robert Pearlman |date=May 11, 2013 |publisher=[[TechMediaNetwork, Inc.]] |access-date=May 11, 2013}}</ref><ref name="Spacewalk">{{cite web |url=http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/expeditions/expedition35/e35_051113_eva.html |title=Astronauts Complete Spacewalk to Repair Ammonia Leak |author=NASA |date=May 11, 2013 |publisher=NASA |access-date=May 11, 2013}}</ref>
Cassidy was assigned to the [[Expedition 35]] crew as a flight engineer and flew to the ISS aboard [[Soyuz TMA-08M]] (''US designation: 34S''), which launched on March 28, 2013.<ref name="NASA Bio" /><ref name="Harding">{{cite web |url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/03/soyuz-tma-08m-crew-iss-record-time/ |title=Soyuz TMA-08M docks with ISS just six hours after launch |first=Pete |last=Harding |publisher=[[NASAspaceflight.com|NASASpaceflight]] |date=March 28, 2013 |access-date=March 30, 2013}}</ref> On May 11, 2013, Cassidy and [[Thomas Marshburn]] performed an unplanned spacewalk to replace a pump controller box suspected to be the source of an ammonia coolant leak.<ref name="Pearlman">{{cite web |url=http://www.space.com/21098-unplanned-spacewalks-space-station-history.html |title=Unplanned Spacewalk a 'Precedent-Setting' Move for Space Station Crew |last=Pearlman |first=Robert Z. |author-link=Robert Pearlman |date=May 11, 2013 |publisher=[[TechMediaNetwork, Inc]] |access-date=May 11, 2013}}</ref><ref name="Spacewalk">{{cite web |url=http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/expeditions/expedition35/e35_051113_eva.html |title=Astronauts Complete Spacewalk to Repair Ammonia Leak |author=NASA |date=May 11, 2013 |publisher=NASA |access-date=May 11, 2013 |archive-date=July 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718123050/https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/expeditions/expedition35/e35_051113_eva.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>


Cassidy participated in two US spacewalks from the ISS in June/July 2013.<ref name="Harding" /> On July 16, 2013, he was joined by [[Luca Parmitano]] on a spacewalk. The EVA was cut short when Parmitano reported water floating behind his head inside his helmet.<ref>{{cite web |title=Astronaut Chris Cassidy Takes a Photo |url=http://www.nasa.gov/content/astronaut-chris-cassidy-takes-a-photo/#.Ur3Byj29LCQ |publisher=NASA |access-date=December 27, 2013}}</ref> During the EVA, Cassidy took his [[space selfie]]. That photo became one of the best selfies of 2013 listed by many news sites.<ref>{{cite news |last=Catcher |first=Jessica |title=16 Legendary Selfies of 2013 |url=http://mashable.com/2013/12/11/2013-the-year-of-the-selfie/ |publisher=[[Mashable]] |access-date=December 28, 2013 |date=December 11, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The 13 Most Important Selfies of 2013 |url=http://www.dailylife.com.au/photogallery/dl-fashion/the-13-most-important-selfies-of-2013-20131212-2z74t.html |publisher=Daily Life |access-date=December 28, 2013 |date=December 12, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131228061654/http://www.dailylife.com.au/photogallery/dl-fashion/the-13-most-important-selfies-of-2013-20131212-2z74t.html |archive-date=December 28, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
Cassidy participated in two US spacewalks from the ISS in June/July 2013.<ref name="Harding" /> On July 16, 2013, he was joined by [[Luca Parmitano]] on a spacewalk. The EVA was cut short when Parmitano reported water floating behind his head inside his helmet.<ref>{{cite web |title=Astronaut Chris Cassidy Takes a Photo |url=http://www.nasa.gov/content/astronaut-chris-cassidy-takes-a-photo/#.Ur3Byj29LCQ |publisher=NASA |access-date=December 27, 2013}}</ref> During the EVA, Cassidy took his [[space selfie]]. That photo became one of the best selfies of 2013 listed by many news sites.<ref>{{cite news |last=Catcher |first=Jessica |title=16 Legendary Selfies of 2013 |url=http://mashable.com/2013/12/11/2013-the-year-of-the-selfie/ |publisher=[[Mashable]] |access-date=December 28, 2013 |date=December 11, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The 13 Most Important Selfies of 2013 |url=http://www.dailylife.com.au/photogallery/dl-fashion/the-13-most-important-selfies-of-2013-20131212-2z74t.html |publisher=Daily Life |access-date=December 28, 2013 |date=December 12, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131228061654/http://www.dailylife.com.au/photogallery/dl-fashion/the-13-most-important-selfies-of-2013-20131212-2z74t.html |archive-date=December 28, 2013 }}</ref>


[[File:ISS-36 Luca Parmitano and Chris Cassidy.jpg|thumb|left|Cassidy (right), pictured with crew member [[Luca Parmitano]]]]
[[File:ISS-36 Luca Parmitano and Chris Cassidy.jpg|thumb|left|Cassidy (right), pictured with crew member [[Luca Parmitano]]]]


===Chief of the Astronaut Office===
===Chief of the Astronaut Office===
Cassidy was named [[Chief of the Astronaut Office]] at NASA in July 2015, succeeding [[Robert L. Behnken]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Nicole |first1=Cloutier-Lemasters |title=NASA Astronaut Chris Cassidy New Chief of Astronaut Office |url=http://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-astronaut-chris-cassidy-new-chief-of-astronaut-office |publisher=NASA |access-date=July 9, 2015}}</ref>
Cassidy was named [[Chief of the Astronaut Office]] at NASA in July 2015, succeeding [[Bob Behnken]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Nicole |first1=Cloutier-Lemasters |title=NASA Astronaut Chris Cassidy New Chief of Astronaut Office |date=July 8, 2015 |url=http://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-astronaut-chris-cassidy-new-chief-of-astronaut-office |publisher=NASA |access-date=July 9, 2015}}</ref>


On June 2, 2017, Cassidy was replaced by [[Patrick G. Forrester]] as Chief of the Astronaut Office and was returned to normal flight status.
On June 2, 2017, Cassidy was replaced by [[Patrick G. Forrester]] as Chief of the Astronaut Office and was returned to normal flight status.
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===Expedition 62/63===
===Expedition 62/63===
[[File:Expedition 63 Preflight (JSC2020-E-017100).jpg|thumb|250px|Cassidy, Ivanishin and Vagner at the [[Baikonur Cosmodrome]] in [[Kazakhstan]], April 9, 2020]]
[[File:Expedition 63 Preflight (JSC2020-E-017100).jpg|thumb|250px|Cassidy, Ivanishin and Vagner at the [[Baikonur Cosmodrome]] in [[Kazakhstan]], April 9, 2020]]
Cassidy launched onboard [[Soyuz MS-16]] on April 9, 2020, as part of Expedition 62. He was the ISS Commander for [[Expedition 63]], which consisted of Cassidy and Russian cosmonauts [[Ivan Vagner]] and [[Anatoli Ivanishin]].<ref>{{cite news |title=SpaceX and Nasa set to launch astronauts after weather all-clear |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/news/uk-news/2020/05/30/spacex-and-nasa-set-to-launch-astronauts-after-weather-all-clear/ |work=[[Express & Star]] |date=30 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-astronaut-chris-cassidy-crewmates-arrive-safely-at-space-station|title=NASA Astronaut Chris Cassidy, Crewmates Arrive Safely at Space Station|last=Potter|first=Sean|date=2020-04-09|website=NASA|access-date=2020-04-11}}</ref> Cassidy was joined by fellow NASA astronauts [[Doug Hurley]] and [[Bob Behnken]] on May 31, 2020 with the docking of [[Crew Dragon Demo-2]]. Cassidy and his crew returned to earth on October 21, 2020. They landed in Dzhezkazgan, Kazakhstan at 10:54pm.
Cassidy launched onboard [[Soyuz MS-16]] on April 9, 2020, as part of Expedition 62. He was the ISS commander for [[Expedition 63]], which consisted of Cassidy and Russian cosmonauts [[Ivan Vagner]] and [[Anatoli Ivanishin]].<ref>{{cite news |title=SpaceX and Nasa set to launch astronauts after weather all-clear |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/news/uk-news/2020/05/30/spacex-and-nasa-set-to-launch-astronauts-after-weather-all-clear/ |work=[[Express & Star]] |date=May 30, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-astronaut-chris-cassidy-crewmates-arrive-safely-at-space-station|title=NASA Astronaut Chris Cassidy, Crewmates Arrive Safely at Space Station|last=Potter|first=Sean|date=April 9, 2020|website=NASA|access-date=April 11, 2020}}</ref> Cassidy was joined by fellow NASA astronauts [[Doug Hurley]] and [[Bob Behnken]] on May 31, 2020, with the docking of [[Crew Dragon Demo-2]]. Cassidy and his crew returned to Earth on October 21, 2020. They landed in Dzhezkazgan, Kazakhstan at 10:54 pm.

Cassidy's last two years as an astronaut were the central feature of the [[List of Disney+ original programming|Disney+ docuseries ''Among the Stars'']]. The series was removed from Disney+ on May 26, 2023, amidst the Disney+ and [[Hulu]] purge.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://gizmodo.com/disney-plus-hulu-removals-full-list-1850482457 |last=Carter |first=Justin |title=Here's the Full List of TV Shows Removed from Disney+ & Hulu |date=May 27, 2023 |website=[[Gizmodo]] |department=Television |publisher=[[G/O Media]] |access-date=May 30, 2023}}</ref>

== Post-NASA career ==
[[File:Christopher Cassidy (240909-N-NO105-1005).jpg|thumb|right|Cassidy speaking at the United States Naval Academy in September 2024]]
Cassidy joined the [[National Medal of Honor Museum|National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation]] as President and CEO in August 2021<ref>{{Cite web |last=mohmuseum |date=2021-08-24 |title=National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation Welcomes Navy Veteran, NASA Astronaut Chris Cassidy as President & CEO |url=https://mohmuseum.org/national-medal-of-honor-museum-foundation-welcomes-navy-veteran-nasa-astronaut-chris-cassidy-as-president-ceo/ |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=National Medal of Honor Museum |language=en-US}}</ref> after retiring from the Navy and the NASA Astronaut Corps earlier that year. Since his retirement from government service, Cassidy has also been active on the boards of directors for several non-profits, including the Navy SEAL Foundation<ref>{{Cite web |title=Foundation Leadership |url=https://www.navysealfoundation.org/team/ |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Navy SEAL Foundation |language=en-US}}</ref> and the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Board of Directors {{!}} JFK Library |url=https://www.jfklibrary.org/about-us/jfk-library-foundation/board-of-directors |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=www.jfklibrary.org}}</ref> He also serves as an advisor for New Vista Acquisition Corp,<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Vista Acquisition Corp. - Team |url=https://www.newvistacap.com/team/default.aspx |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=www.newvistacap.com}}</ref> a Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC).


==Awards and honors==
==Awards and honors==
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| [[NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal]]
| [[NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal]]
|-
|-
| {{ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=SpaceFltRib.gif|width=80}}
| {{ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=SpaceFltRib.svg|width=80}}
| [[NASA Space Flight Medal]]
| [[NASA Space Flight Medal]]
|-
|-
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Cassidy is married to the former Peggy Yancer from [[Elyria, Ohio]]. They have five children between the two of them. Recreational interests include traveling, biking, camping, snow skiing, weight lifting, running, basketball, real estate, and home improvement.<ref name="auto"/>
Cassidy is married to the former Peggy Yancer from [[Elyria, Ohio]]. They have five children between the two of them. Recreational interests include traveling, biking, camping, snow skiing, weight lifting, running, basketball, real estate, and home improvement.<ref name="auto"/>


Cassidy is a licensed [[Amateur Radio]] operator (ham), holding U.S. Technician level license KF5KDR.<ref name="FCC.gov">{{cite web |title=KF5KDR |url=https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsSearch/license.jsp;JSESSIONID_ULSSEARCH=HWq3cy0p2vKtzY1LyfZnhQBhMQJQQ5GXTJMF3vJcGkDpCpwN8nbP!2078657861!-1208964566?licKey=3271780&printable |website=FCC.gov |access-date=7 October 2020}}</ref> Cassidy has participated in several [[Amateur Radio on the International Space Station]] events with students in the United States.
Cassidy is a licensed [[amateur radio]] operator (ham), holding U.S. Technician level license KF5KDR.<ref name="FCC.gov">{{cite web |title=KF5KDR |url=https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsSearch/license.jsp;JSESSIONID_ULSSEARCH=HWq3cy0p2vKtzY1LyfZnhQBhMQJQQ5GXTJMF3vJcGkDpCpwN8nbP!2078657861!-1208964566?licKey=3271780&printable |website=FCC.gov |access-date=October 7, 2020}}</ref> Cassidy has participated in several [[Amateur Radio on the International Space Station]] events with students in the United States.


Cassidy announced his retirement from both the Navy and NASA Astronaut Corps on May 28, 2021.
Cassidy announced his retirement from both the Navy and NASA Astronaut Corps on May 28, 2021.
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==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{Commons category}}
*[https://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies/christopher-j-cassidy/biography NASA biography]
*[https://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies/christopher-j-cassidy/biography NASA biography] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514162416/https://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies/christopher-j-cassidy/biography/ |date=May 14, 2021 }}
* [http://www.spacefacts.de/bios/astronauts/english/cassidy_christopher.htm Spacefacts biography of Christopher Cassidy]
* [http://www.spacefacts.de/bios/astronauts/english/cassidy_christopher.htm Spacefacts biography of Christopher Cassidy]


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[[Category:1970 births]]
[[Category:1970 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:American astronauts]]
[[Category:United States Navy astronauts]]
[[Category:United States Navy astronauts]]
[[Category:United States Navy SEALs personnel]]
[[Category:United States Navy SEALs personnel]]

Latest revision as of 11:35, 12 September 2024

Chris Cassidy
Official portrait, 2020
Born
Christopher John Cassidy

(1970-01-04) January 4, 1970 (age 54)
Salem, Massachusetts, U.S.
EducationUnited States Naval Academy (BS)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MS)
SpousePeggy Yancer[1]
Space career
NASA astronaut
RankCaptain, USN
Time in space
377d 17h 49m
SelectionNASA Group 19 (2004)
Total EVAs
10
Total EVA time
54h 51m
MissionsSTS-127
Soyuz TMA-08M (Expedition 35/36)
Soyuz MS-16 (Expedition 62/63)
Mission insignia
RetirementMay 28, 2021

Christopher John "Chris" Cassidy (born January 4, 1970) is a retired NASA astronaut and United States Navy SEAL. Chris Cassidy achieved the rank of captain in the U.S. Navy. His first spaceflight was on a Space Shuttle mission in 2009. He was the Chief of the Astronaut Office at NASA from July 2015 until June 2017.

Early life and education

[edit]

Cassidy was born in Salem, Massachusetts on January 4, 1970. He attended York High School, in York, Maine.[2] He then graduated from the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Newport, Rhode Island, in 1989. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics at the United States Naval Academy in 1993 and a Master of Science degree in ocean engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2000.

Military experience

[edit]

Cassidy graduated from BUD/S class 192 in 1993 as Honor man. He served for ten years as a member of the Navy SEALs. His specializations in military tactics include long range special reconnaissance (vehicular and foot patrols), direct action building assaults, non-compliant ship-boardings, desert reconnaissance patrols, combat diving, underwater explosives, and a variety of air operations, including parachuting, fast roping, and rappelling. He made four six-month deployments: two to Afghanistan, and two to the Mediterranean Sea. Cassidy served as Executive Officer and Operations Officer of Special Boat Team 20 in Norfolk, Virginia, and SEAL Platoon Commander at SEAL Team 3 in Coronado, California. He deployed to the Afghanistan region two weeks after the September 11 attacks. He served as Ground Assault Force Commander for international and U.S.-only combat missions in Afghanistan. Cassidy led two months of non-compliant ship-boardings in the Northern Persian Gulf. Cassidy was also a SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV) platoon commander at SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team Two in Norfolk. He accumulated over 200 hours underwater as pilot, navigator, or mission commander of a two-man flooded submersible SDV, which is launched and recovered from a host-ship submarine. He also served as drydeck shelter platoon commander at SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team Two in Norfolk. Cassidy volunteered for and completed a week-long, 180-mile (290 km) charity kayak paddle from Norfolk, Virginia to Washington, D.C. to raise money and awareness for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.[2]

NASA career

[edit]
Cassidy participating in the third EVA of the STS-127 mission

Cassidy was selected as an astronaut candidate by NASA in May 2004. In February 2006 he completed Astronaut Candidate Training, which included scientific and technical briefings, intensive instruction in Space Shuttle and International Space Station systems, physiological training, T-38 Talon flight training, and water and wilderness survival training. Completion of this initial training qualified him for various technical assignments within the Astronaut Office and future flight assignment as a mission specialist.[2]

STS-127

[edit]

In February 2008, Cassidy was assigned to his first spaceflight as a mission specialist on STS-127, a Space Shuttle mission to deliver the Exposed Facility of the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM-EF) to the ISS aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour.[3]

Cassidy and his six fellow crew members lifted off aboard Endeavour from the Kennedy Space Center on July 15, 2009.[4] The seven astronauts docked with the ISS on July 17, joining the six-person Expedition 20 crew commanded by Russian cosmonaut Gennady Padalka. This marked the first time that 13 people had been in space together, a record that has not been surpassed since.[5] On July 22, 2009, Cassidy stepped outside the ISS with NASA astronaut David Wolf for his first spacewalk. The two began work replacing batteries on the P6 Truss and continued work on installing the JEM-EF. The EVA was called off after 5 hours and 59 minutes for excess carbon dioxide in Cassidy's suit.[6]

Cassidy's space selfie

Over the course of STS-127, Cassidy participated in two more spacewalks with NASA astronaut Thomas Marshburn. The two completed replacing the batteries on the P6 truss and completed the installation of the JEM-EF during two excursions lasting 7 hours and 12 minutes and 4 hours and 57 minutes, respectively.[7] Cassidy's third spacewalk marked the completion of the Japanese Experiment Module, a feat that took three space shuttle missions starting with STS-123.

On July 31, 2009, Cassidy returned to the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility, wrapping up his first spaceflight after 15 days in space.[8]

Expedition 35/36

[edit]

Cassidy was assigned to the Expedition 35 crew as a flight engineer and flew to the ISS aboard Soyuz TMA-08M (US designation: 34S), which launched on March 28, 2013.[2][9] On May 11, 2013, Cassidy and Thomas Marshburn performed an unplanned spacewalk to replace a pump controller box suspected to be the source of an ammonia coolant leak.[10][11]

Cassidy participated in two US spacewalks from the ISS in June/July 2013.[9] On July 16, 2013, he was joined by Luca Parmitano on a spacewalk. The EVA was cut short when Parmitano reported water floating behind his head inside his helmet.[12] During the EVA, Cassidy took his space selfie. That photo became one of the best selfies of 2013 listed by many news sites.[13][14]

Cassidy (right), pictured with crew member Luca Parmitano

Chief of the Astronaut Office

[edit]

Cassidy was named Chief of the Astronaut Office at NASA in July 2015, succeeding Bob Behnken.[15]

On June 2, 2017, Cassidy was replaced by Patrick G. Forrester as Chief of the Astronaut Office and was returned to normal flight status.

Expedition 62/63

[edit]
Cassidy, Ivanishin and Vagner at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, April 9, 2020

Cassidy launched onboard Soyuz MS-16 on April 9, 2020, as part of Expedition 62. He was the ISS commander for Expedition 63, which consisted of Cassidy and Russian cosmonauts Ivan Vagner and Anatoli Ivanishin.[16][17] Cassidy was joined by fellow NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken on May 31, 2020, with the docking of Crew Dragon Demo-2. Cassidy and his crew returned to Earth on October 21, 2020. They landed in Dzhezkazgan, Kazakhstan at 10:54 pm.

Cassidy's last two years as an astronaut were the central feature of the Disney+ docuseries Among the Stars. The series was removed from Disney+ on May 26, 2023, amidst the Disney+ and Hulu purge.[18]

Post-NASA career

[edit]
Cassidy speaking at the United States Naval Academy in September 2024

Cassidy joined the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation as President and CEO in August 2021[19] after retiring from the Navy and the NASA Astronaut Corps earlier that year. Since his retirement from government service, Cassidy has also been active on the boards of directors for several non-profits, including the Navy SEAL Foundation[20] and the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation.[21] He also serves as an advisor for New Vista Acquisition Corp,[22] a Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC).

Awards and honors

[edit]

Cassidy was awarded the Bronze Star with "V" device and the Presidential Unit Citation for leading a nine-day operation at the Zhawar Kili cave complex, a national priority objective directly on the Afghan–Pakistan border, during Operation Enduring Freedom. Cassidy was a guest speaker at the USNA Combat Leadership Seminars in 2003 and 2004. He was awarded a second Bronze Star for combat leadership service in 2004 during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.[2]

Chris Cassidy is also the 500th person in space. He achieved this when his crewmates so designated him during the STS-127 mission.[23] He is also the second SEAL to fly in space, following William Shepherd, a veteran of four missions.

Awards and decorations

[edit]
V
Gold star
 Bronze Star with valor device and award star
Combat Action Ribbon
Presidential Unit Citation
NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal
NASA Space Flight Medal
Bronze star
 National Defense Service Medal with service star
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon

Personal life

[edit]

Cassidy is married to the former Peggy Yancer from Elyria, Ohio. They have five children between the two of them. Recreational interests include traveling, biking, camping, snow skiing, weight lifting, running, basketball, real estate, and home improvement.[1]

Cassidy is a licensed amateur radio operator (ham), holding U.S. Technician level license KF5KDR.[24] Cassidy has participated in several Amateur Radio on the International Space Station events with students in the United States.

Cassidy announced his retirement from both the Navy and NASA Astronaut Corps on May 28, 2021.

References

[edit]

Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

  1. ^ a b Tonnessen, Heather (February 7, 2016). "Christopher Cassidy (Captain, U.S. Navy) NASA Astronaut". NASA. Archived from the original on September 10, 2016. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Astronaut Bio: Chris Cassidy (3/2011)". National Aeronautics and Space Administration. April 11, 2020. Archived from the original on May 14, 2021. Retrieved April 11, 2020.
  3. ^ "NASA - NASA Assigns Crews for STS-127 and Expedition 19 Missions". www.nasa.gov. Archived from the original on February 25, 2020. Retrieved April 20, 2020.
  4. ^ "NASA - STS-127". www.nasa.gov. Archived from the original on May 21, 2017. Retrieved April 20, 2020.
  5. ^ "STS-127: Endeavour completes RPM and Docks with ISS - TPS latest". July 17, 2009.
  6. ^ "Spaceflight Now | STS-127 Shuttle Report | Extensive spacewalk replanning underway". spaceflightnow.com.
  7. ^ "Spaceflight Now | STS-127 Shuttle Report | Endeavour crew completes fifth and final spacewalk". spaceflightnow.com.
  8. ^ "STS-127 Shuttle Endeavour Landing (200907310003HQ)". July 31, 2009 – via Flickr.
  9. ^ a b Harding, Pete (March 28, 2013). "Soyuz TMA-08M docks with ISS just six hours after launch". NASASpaceflight. Retrieved March 30, 2013.
  10. ^ Pearlman, Robert Z. (May 11, 2013). "Unplanned Spacewalk a 'Precedent-Setting' Move for Space Station Crew". TechMediaNetwork, Inc. Retrieved May 11, 2013.
  11. ^ NASA (May 11, 2013). "Astronauts Complete Spacewalk to Repair Ammonia Leak". NASA. Archived from the original on July 18, 2019. Retrieved May 11, 2013.
  12. ^ "Astronaut Chris Cassidy Takes a Photo". NASA. Retrieved December 27, 2013.
  13. ^ Catcher, Jessica (December 11, 2013). "16 Legendary Selfies of 2013". Mashable. Retrieved December 28, 2013.
  14. ^ "The 13 Most Important Selfies of 2013". Daily Life. December 12, 2013. Archived from the original on December 28, 2013. Retrieved December 28, 2013.
  15. ^ Nicole, Cloutier-Lemasters (July 8, 2015). "NASA Astronaut Chris Cassidy New Chief of Astronaut Office". NASA. Retrieved July 9, 2015.
  16. ^ "SpaceX and Nasa set to launch astronauts after weather all-clear". Express & Star. May 30, 2020.
  17. ^ Potter, Sean (April 9, 2020). "NASA Astronaut Chris Cassidy, Crewmates Arrive Safely at Space Station". NASA. Retrieved April 11, 2020.
  18. ^ Carter, Justin (May 27, 2023). "Here's the Full List of TV Shows Removed from Disney+ & Hulu". Television. Gizmodo. G/O Media. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
  19. ^ mohmuseum (August 24, 2021). "National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation Welcomes Navy Veteran, NASA Astronaut Chris Cassidy as President & CEO". National Medal of Honor Museum. Retrieved October 3, 2022.
  20. ^ "Foundation Leadership". Navy SEAL Foundation. Retrieved October 3, 2022.
  21. ^ "Board of Directors | JFK Library". www.jfklibrary.org. Retrieved October 3, 2022.
  22. ^ "New Vista Acquisition Corp. - Team". www.newvistacap.com. Retrieved October 3, 2022.
  23. ^ Robert Z. Pearlman (2011). "500th Person to Space Launching on Shuttle Endeavour". SPACE.com. Retrieved June 1, 2011.
  24. ^ "KF5KDR". FCC.gov. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Christopher Cassidy.
Preceded by Chief of the Astronaut Office
2015–2017 		Succeeded by
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