Early Life and Education

John Herrington was born on September 14, 1958, in Wetumka, Oklahoma. He is of Chickasaw descent and is the first Native American astronaut to fly in space. Herrington grew up in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and developed a passion for aviation and space exploration at an early age. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Mathematics from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and a Master of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.

Career as an Astronaut

John Herrington was selected as a NASA astronaut candidate in 1996 and completed his training in 1998. He flew on Space Shuttle mission STS-113 in 2002, becoming the first Native American astronaut to walk in space. During this mission, Herrington performed three spacewalks to help assemble the International Space Station.

In addition to his spaceflight experience, John Herrington served as Chief of the Aircraft Operations Division at NASA's Johnson Space Center and as Assistant Director for Aeronautics at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center. He retired from NASA in 2005 after a distinguished career in space exploration.

Height and Personal Life

John Herrington stands at 6 feet 1 inch tall (185 cm). He is married with two children and resides in Texas.

Net Worth

As of 2024, John Herrington's net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. This includes his earnings from his time as an astronaut, as well as any investments or business ventures he may have pursued since retiring from NASA.

In conclusion, John Herrington is a trailblazer in the field of space exploration, breaking barriers as the first Native American astronaut to walk in space. His contributions to NASA and his dedication to advancing our understanding of the universe have solidified his place in history as a pioneer in the field of aerospace engineering.