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Leland Melvin        

Engineer, Former NASA Astronaut & Former NFL Wide Receiver

Leland Melvin is an engineer, educator, author, former NASA astronaut and NFL wide receiver. He served on board the Space Shuttle Atlantis as a mission specialist on mission STS-122 (2008) and STS-129 (2009), helping to construct the International Space Station.

Upon hanging up his space boots, he led NASA Education and co-chaired the White House’s Federal Coordination in STEAM Education Task Force, developing the nation’s 5-year STEM education plan.

After 24 years with NASA as a researcher, astronaut and Senior Executive Service leader, he shares his life story as an athlete, astronaut, scientist, engineer, photographer, and musician to help inspire the next generation of explorers to pursue STEAM careers.

Melvin holds six honorary doctorates for his service in education, the sciences, and philanthropy.

In May 2017, Melvin released his memoir, "Chasing Space: An Astronaut's Story of Grit, Grace, and Second Chances." In "Chasing Space," Melvin shares his personal journey from the gridiron to the stars, and examines the intersecting roles of community, perseverance, and grace that align to create the opportunities for success.

News


NASA astronaut Leland Melvin teaches kids about Webb telescope ...
Sep 2, 2022 ... The retired astronaut and NFL player is running a class about the James Webb Space Telescope online.
Former NASA astronaut Leland Melvin aims to help the next ...
Dec 12, 2021 ... Former NASA astronaut Leland Melvin reads to first and third grade students from the book “The Moon Over Star” at Ferebee- ...
Leland Melvin Is an ICON MANN of Change | Videos | BET
News: Leland Melvin Is an ICON MANN of Change. Clip : After a football injury while playing for the Detroit Lions, the astronaut regained his physical and mental ...
From the Gridiron to the International Space Station: Leland Melvin's ...
NASA. Leland Melvin has very nearly been a member of two exclusive clubs: the National Football League (NFL) and the NASA astronaut corps. The first ...

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