The Barometer Online

Issue date: 10/24/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Contributed Photo Don Pettit

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NASA astronaut and OSU alumnus Don Pettit is scheduled to make his second trip to the International Space Station aboard the space shuttle Endeavour. The launch is scheduled for Nov. 14 out of the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

The mission STS-126 includes Pettit and five other crew members. Pettit's role will be mission specialist. The mission will last 15 days as the crew delivers equipment such as a regenerative life support system, exercise equipment and crew quarters. This equipment is crucial to sustaining life for a six-person crew aboard the ISS.

The crew will also be repairing the Solar Alpha Rotary Joints (SARJ), which has been acting irregularly for some time now. There are plans for four spacewalks to be performed during this mission.

Pettit graduated from OSU in 1978 with a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering. He then went on to receive his doctoral degree from the University of Arizona in 1983.

Through patience and perseverance, Pettit was finally selected into the NASA program in 1996, beginning his training in August of that year.

"Don always wanted to be an astronaut," said Skip Rochefort, professor of chemical engineering at OSU and good friend of Pettit. "He followed that dream through several applications to the astronaut program over 10 years before he was finally accepted."

Pettit's first mission included a six-month stay on the International Space Station in 2003, serving as the science officer. Pettit performed two spacewalks, logging 13 EVA (spacewalk) hours.

In his downtime, Pettit broadcasted a series of experiments called Saturday Morning Science. These experiments can be seen on the College of Engineering's website at http://tube.engr.oregonstate.edu/index.php.

OSU's faculty is very proud, but not surprised, both of what this alumnus has accomplished so far and for his continuing efforts to inspire young students.

"The College of Engineering is very proud of Don. For him, another mission to the International Space Station is a great accomplishment," said Ron Adams, the dean of the college of engineering. "We all knew he would become a great engineer, and his becoming such a prominent astronaut is over the top."

Pettit has done his part in inspiring others to achieve their goals. Whenever he is in the area, Pettit takes time to speak with students about careers in engineering and how to get where you want to go in life.

"I use him as an example of following your dreams whenever I talk to young people about careers in engineering," Rochefort said.

Pettit is a native of Silverton. He graduated from Silverton High School in 1973 and is currently married with two children. Pettit could not be reached for comment as he has already been placed in quarantine in preparation for the launch.

Rebecca Johnson, staff writer

news@dailybarometer.com, 737-2231

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