Bob Behnken

Robert L. Behnken

Bob Behnken

Robert Louis Behnken (born July 28, 1970) is an American NASA astronaut, engineer, and former United States Air Force officer. He is a veteran of two Space Shuttle flights and one SpaceX Crew Dragon mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Behnken has logged over 1,600 hours in space, including 61 hours of extravehicular activity (EVA).

Early Life and Education

Behnken was born in Creve Coeur, Missouri, and raised in St. Ann, Missouri. He graduated from Pattonville High School in 1988. Behnken earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering and physics from Washington University in St. Louis in 1992. He then attended the California Institute of Technology, where he received a Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering in 1993 and a Doctor of Philosophy in 1997.

Military Career

Behnken was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force in 1992. He attended the Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base, graduating in 1999. As a flight test engineer, he worked on the F-22 Raptor and other advanced aircraft projects.

NASA Career

Selection and Training

Behnken was selected as a NASA astronaut candidate in July 2000. He completed two years of training and evaluation, qualifying for flight assignment as a mission specialist.

Space Shuttle Missions

STS-123 Mission Patch

Behnken's first spaceflight was STS-123, which launched on March 11, 2008. The mission delivered the first component of the Japanese Experiment Module and the Dextre robotic system to the ISS. Behnken performed three spacewalks during the mission, totaling over 19 hours.

STS-123 Crew onboard the ISS

His second flight was STS-130, which launched on February 8, 2010. The mission delivered the Tranquility module and the Cupola to the ISS. Behnken conducted three spacewalks, adding another 18 hours to his EVA experience.

Bob Behnken during STS-130 EVA

SpaceX Crew Dragon

Crew Dragon Demo-2 Mission Patch

In 2020, Behnken flew on the SpaceX Demo-2 mission, the first crewed flight of the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. The mission launched on May 30, 2020, and marked the first time astronauts launched from American soil since the end of the Space Shuttle program in 2011.

SpaceX Demo-2 Crew Walkout

Behnken and his crewmate, Douglas Hurley, spent two months aboard the ISS as part of Expedition 63. During the mission, Behnken conducted four spacewalks with astronaut Chris Cassidy, further extending his EVA experience.

Crew Dragon docked to the ISS

Personal Life

Behnken is married to fellow astronaut Megan McArthur, and they have one son. He enjoys skiing, hiking, and spending time with his family.

Related Pages

• NASA Astronaut Group 18
• Space Shuttle program
• SpaceX
• International Space Station