Luke Delaney is set to launch into orbit this September. The University of North Florida graduate will pilot NASA’s SpaceX Crew-13 mission to the International Space Station. This flight marks his first journey into space, where he will join the crew for Expedition 75. Delaney, who earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from UNF in 2006, previously spent time living in Jacksonville with his family.
His path to this mission is built on a background as a Marine, naval aviator, and combat veteran. Delaney has accumulated over 3,900 flight hours across 48 different aircraft models. NASA selected him for the 2021 Astronaut Candidate Class, and he began his training in early 2022. He credits his varied career stages for preparing him for the demands of spaceflight.
Once aboard the station, Delaney expects to participate in spacewalks for maintenance and station upgrades. The crew also has a full research schedule. Planned scientific work includes studies on blood flow, human vision in microgravity, and methods for scaling stem cell development. Delaney looks forward to the tasks ahead as he transitions from test pilot duties to his role as a space station crew member.