Chris Sembroski
Chris Sembroski (June 2007)
Born
Christopher Sembroski

(1979-08-28) August 28, 1979 (age 44)
Nationality USA
Occupations
  • Data engineer (current)
  • US Air Force missileman (former)
Known forPrivate astronaut aboard Inspiration4
Space career
Crew Dragon Astronaut
Commercial Astronaut
Time in space
2d 23h 3m
SelectionMission Specialist
MissionsInspiration4

Christopher Sembroski (born August 28, 1979) is an American data engineer, Air Force veteran, and commercial astronaut, currently living in Gig Harbor, Washington, United States. He flew to orbit on Inspiration4, a private spaceflight funded by billionaire Jared Isaacman.

Sembroski is a Blue Origin employee and was a crew member on the Inspiration4 mission.[1] The spaceflight position was given to Sembroski by his friend Kyle Hippchen, as he was unable to accept the prize because he exceeded the weight limit of the Dragon vehicle.[2][3]

Sembroski has long had an interest in space, being an amateur astronomer and rocketeer.[4][5][6] Sembroski received the call sign "Hanks" during training.[7]

He is featured on the cover of a Time magazine double issue with the rest of the crew of Inspiration4 in August 2021.[8]

Career

Sembroski grew up in Kannapolis, North Carolina.[1] During college, Sembroski volunteered for ProSpace, a nonprofit organization advocating for private spaceflight.[5] Sembroski also was a counselor at Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama which promotes science, technology, engineering, and math to children and teenagers.[4][5] After college, Sembroski joined the United States Air Force as an Electro-Mechanical Technician stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, MT.[9] Sembroski worked as a data engineer for Lockheed Martin.[6] He has since moved to work as an avionics engineer at Blue Origin.[10]

He is a member of the Association of Space Explorers.[11]

References

  1. ^ a b Julie Muhlstein (April 18, 2021). "Everett's own spaceman thrilled to join all-civilian mission". The Everett Herald. Retrieved April 20, 2021.
  2. ^ "He won a trip to space. Then he gave it away to a friend". AP News. January 27, 2022. Retrieved February 2, 2022.
  3. ^ Kenneth Chang (September 15, 2021). "How were the astronauts selected?". New York Times. Retrieved September 19, 2021.
  4. ^ a b Kenneth Chang (March 30, 2021). "A Billionaire Names His Team to Ride SpaceX, No Pros Allowed". New York Times. Archived from the original on March 30, 2021. Retrieved March 30, 2021.
  5. ^ a b c Rachel DeSantis (March 30, 2021). "Meet First All-Civilian Space Crew, Who Are 'Pushing Boundaries' on Inspiration4-SpaceX Mission". People.
  6. ^ a b Nancy Dunn (March 30, 2021). "Two space fans – including Everett man – get seats on billionaire's private flight". NPR. KNKX. Associated Press.
  7. ^ Thompson, Amy (September 15, 2021). "Inspiration4's call signs: The crew of SpaceX's all-civilian mission have special nicknames". Space.com. Retrieved September 15, 2021.
  8. ^ Kluger, Jeffrey (August 23, 2021). "Inside Inspiration 4". Time. Retrieved September 15, 2021.
  9. ^ "Missiles to symphonies". Air Force Space Command. Retrieved April 4, 2021.
  10. ^ Wattles, Jackie (July 19, 2022). "He went to orbit on a SpaceX rocket. Now, he's working for its archrival | CNN Business". CNN. Retrieved July 21, 2022.
  11. ^ List of members of the ASE from United States

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Christopher Sembroski.


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