Early Life and Education

Frederick Drew Gregory was born on January 7, 1941, in Washington, D.C. He developed a passion for aviation and space exploration at a young age, inspired by the historic achievements of the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo missions. Gregory attended Anacostia High School in Washington before pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the United States Air Force Academy. He later earned a Master of Information Systems Management from George Washington University.

Astronaut Career

Gregory joined the United States Air Force in 1964 and became a pilot, flying numerous aircraft including the C-130 Hercules and F-111 Aardvark. In 1978, he was selected by NASA to become an astronaut candidate as part of the first group of Space Shuttle astronauts. Gregory made history as the first African American to pilot a Space Shuttle mission when he flew on STS-51B aboard Challenger in 1985. He went on to command two more Shuttle missions, STS-33 in 1989 and STS-44 in 1991.

Post-NASA Career

After leaving NASA in 1993, Gregory continued his career in aerospace as a consultant and executive. He served as Deputy Administrator of NASA from 2002 to 2005 before retiring from government service. Gregory has also held positions with various aerospace companies, contributing his expertise to the development of new technologies and space exploration initiatives.

Height

Frederick Gregory stands at an impressive height of 6 feet 3 inches (190 cm), which no doubt served him well during his time as an astronaut.

Net Worth

As of 2024, Frederick Gregory's net worth is estimated to be in the range of $5 million to $10 million. His successful career as an astronaut and aerospace engineer has enabled him to build a comfortable financial foundation for his retirement years.

In conclusion, Frederick Gregory's legacy as a pioneering astronaut and dedicated aerospace professional continues to inspire future generations of space explorers. His contributions to the field of aviation and space travel have left an indelible mark on the history of human spaceflight.