Henry W. Hartsfield, Jr. (1933–2014) was a U.S. Air Force officer, test pilot, and NASA astronaut who logged over 7,400 flight hours and 483 hours in space across three shuttle missions. A physics graduate of Auburn University with advanced studies in engineering and astronautics, he served in the Air Force’s MOL Program before joining NASA in 1969, contributing to Apollo and Skylab support crews and helping develop the Space Shuttle’s entry flight control system. He piloted STS-4 and commanded STS-41D and STS-61A, flying missions that deployed satellites, conducted major scientific experiments, and included Spacelab’s first internationally controlled mission. After his flying career, Hartsfield held several senior NASA leadership roles involving astronaut operations, Space Shuttle integration, Space Station Freedom, and ISS independent assessment. Highly honored throughout his career, he received multiple NASA and DOD awards, including the NASA Distinguished Service Medal and the Presidential Rank Award. Courtesy of NASA.