John-David F. Bartoe
John-David Francis Bartoe is an American astrophysicist and former shuttle . He flew on STS-51-F in 1985 as part of the Spacelab 2 mission, operating astronomy and space-science investigations aboard Challenger.
- Born
- November 17, 1944
- Died
- N/A
- Birthplace
- Abington Township, Pennsylvania,United States
Flights
1
Spacewalks
0
EVA time
N/A
In space
7 days, 22 hours, 45 minutes
Bio
Bartoe worked as a civilian scientist for the Naval Research Laboratory before his shuttle flight. His expertise in astrophysics and instrument operations made him part of the payload-specialist model for scientist-operated Spacelab missions.
STS-51-F carried Spacelab 2 and focused on astronomy, solar physics, plasma physics, life sciences, and technology experiments. Despite an abort-to-orbit event, the crew completed a large portion of the science program.
Bartoe's role was tied to the research payloads rather than general spacecraft command. He helped bring the people who designed and understood experiments into the orbital laboratory itself.
After STS-51-F, Bartoe continued space research and later worked on International research planning.