Fernando (Frank) CALDEIRO

CAREER

1958-1974: Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina; immigrated to the United States aged 16 and subsequently became a naturalised US citizen.

1976-1984: Following graduation from High School he attended the State University, New York and the University of Arizona earning and associated degree and BS degree

1985-1991: Employed by Rockwell International initially as a test director during the production flight test and delivery of all 100 B-1B Bombers. (1988) transferred to Rockwell International team based at NASA KSC Florida becoming a SSME specialist; Rockwell design centre representative for ground processing and launch of OV-103 Discovery.

1991-1996: Cryogenics and propulsion systems expert for the Safety and Mission Assurance Office, NASA KSC. Participated in 52 Shuttle launches during eight years at KSC

ASTRONAUT ASSIGNMENTS 

1996:   (01.05) Selected as one of 35 Group 16 Ascans by NASA; he was the first candidate from South America and the first person of Argentinean decent to be selected for astronaut training; (12.08) Commenced a two year Ascan training programme; Ascan training

1997:   Ascan training; assigned to the CB Station Operations Branch within the Operations and Planning Branch of the astronaut office structure; Ascan training

1998:   Ascan training; (Aug) completed Ascan training programme qualifying as a Mission Specialist; CB technical assignments CB Station Operations Branch; Mission Support Assignments: STS-95

1999: CB technical assignments within the CB Station Operations Branch were as lead astronaut for ISS Environmental Controls and Life Support Systems and the European-built station modules. This included his involvement in all aspects of the design, testing and manufacturing reviews for the Multiple Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM), US (‘Harmony’) Node 2, ESA Columbus Module and Cupola as well as equipment fit checks and supporting the development of flight and maintenance procedures.

2000: Lead Astronaut ISS environmental Controls and Life Support Systems & European Modules

2001: Lead Astronaut ISS Environmental Controls and Life Support Systems & European Modules; (Jun) Assigned as Lead Astronaut Shuttle software testing at the Shuttle Avionics Integration Laboratory (SAIL). His duties included design, special testing and verification of in-flight maintenance procedures.

2002:   Lead Astronaut Shuttle software testing, SAIL

2003:   Lead Astronaut Shuttle software testing, SAIL

2004:   Lead Astronaut Shuttle software testing, SAIL

2005:   Lead Astronaut Shuttle software testing, SAIL

2006:   Lead Astronaut Shuttle software testing, SAIL (thru December)

2007:   (Jan) Reassigned to the WB-57 High Altitude Research Program, Flight Crew Operations, Aircraft Operations Directorate (AOD), Ellington Field. Here he directed the integration and operation of high altitude atmospheric research experiments carried onboard the NASA WB-57 aircraft

2008:   Assigned WB-57 High Altitude Research Program, AOD, Ellington Field.

2009:   Assigned WB-57 High Altitude Research Program, AOD, Ellington Field; (03.10) died aged 51, following a two and a half year battle with a brain tumour.

SPACEFLIGHT RECORD

   Sadly Caldeiro never flew in space