Did you know one incredible woman was the last to ‘touch’ Hubble and the first to pilot a SpaceX Dragon? NASA astronaut Megan McArthur has officially retired, leaving an indelible mark on space history! Her two-decade career is filled with pioneering achievements and dedication to science. What’s next for this space legend?
After an extraordinary career spanning over two decades, veteran NASA astronaut Megan McArthur has officially retired, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of groundbreaking achievements in human spaceflight and scientific discovery. A trailblazer in every sense, McArthur distinguished herself as the first woman to pilot a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and holds the unique distinction of being the last person to physically interact with the iconic Hubble Space Telescope using the space shuttle’s robotic arm.
Her second spaceflight marked a significant milestone, as she launched as pilot of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-2 mission in April 2021. This mission initiated her first long-duration stay aboard the International Space Station, where she served as a pivotal flight engineer for Expeditions 65/66. Over 200 days, McArthur was instrumental in conducting a diverse array of scientific experiments, encompassing vital research in human health, materials sciences, and advanced robotics, all contributing to the ambitious goals of the Artemis program and preparing for future American missions to Mars.
McArthur’s inaugural journey into space occurred during the STS-125 mission in 2009 aboard the space shuttle Atlantis, which was the fifth and ultimate servicing mission to the venerable Hubble Space Telescope. In her crucial role as a mission specialist, she was entrusted with the delicate task of capturing the orbiting telescope with the robotic arm, a maneuver requiring immense precision. Furthermore, she provided essential support for five intricate spacewalks, which were critical for updating and repairing Hubble after its initial 19 years of groundbreaking operation.
Tributes poured in from NASA leadership, highlighting her profound impact. Steve Koerner, acting director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, commended her “thoughtful leadership, operational excellence, and deep commitment to science and exploration” that have left an indelible mark on the agency. Joe Acaba, chief of the Astronaut Office, echoed these sentiments, noting McArthur’s “unique combination of technical skill and compassion,” and emphasizing that her contributions will undoubtedly resonate with the next generation of explorers she helped mentor and train.
Beyond her direct spaceflight experience, McArthur dedicated herself to numerous critical technical and leadership positions within NASA. Her extensive tenure included serving as the deputy division chief of the Astronaut Office in 2019, where she played a vital role in supporting astronaut training, professional development, and the ongoing execution of spaceflight operations. Prior to this, she assumed the role of assistant director of flight operations for the International Space Station Program starting in 2017, further solidifying her administrative contributions to human spaceflight.
Since 2022, McArthur has continued her dedication to public education and scientific literacy as the chief science officer at Space Center Houston, which serves as NASA Johnson’s official visitor center. In this capacity, she actively champions public engagement with themes of space exploration, striving to enhance public understanding of the profound benefits humanity derives from space research and fostering a deeper appreciation for scientific endeavors across all ages.
Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles, followed by a doctorate in oceanography from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Before her selection as a NASA astronaut in 2000, McArthur distinguished herself through rigorous oceanographic research, specializing in underwater acoustics. This work frequently involved extensive shipboard operations and countless hours of scuba diving, showcasing her early commitment to challenging scientific exploration.
McArthur’s personal life is also intertwined with space exploration, as she is married to former NASA astronaut Robert Behnken, who shared a significant spaceflight experience aboard the Dragon Endeavour spacecraft during the agency’s crucial Demo-2 mission in 2020. This unique partnership underscores a shared dedication to humanity’s journey beyond Earth.
Reflecting on her career, McArthur expressed immense gratitude for the “incredible privilege to serve as a NASA astronaut.” She emphasized the collaborative nature of her work with scientists worldwide on “cutting-edge research” that impacts life on Earth and prepares for future lunar and Martian exploration. Her perspective on Earth from space profoundly reinforced “how fragile and precious our home is,” reiterating the vital importance of environmental protection and inspiring future generations to pursue scientific discoveries for the betterment of all.
