48 Facts About Mark Kelly

Early Life and Education

Mark Kelly's journey began long before he became a household name. His early life and education laid the foundation for his future achievements.

1. Born on February 21, 1964, in Orange, New Jersey, Mark Edward Kelly grew up in a family with a strong military background.
2. His father, Richard Kelly, was a police officer, while his mother, Patricia Kelly, worked as a secretary.
3. Mark has an identical twin brother, Scott Kelly, who also became an astronaut.
4. Both brothers attended Mountain High School in West Orange, New Jersey.
5. Mark earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Engineering from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in 1986.
6. He later obtained a Master of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in 1994.

Military Career

Before becoming an astronaut, Mark Kelly served his country as a naval aviator. His military career is marked by numerous accomplishments and experiences.

7. Kelly was commissioned as an ensign in the United States Navy in 1986.
8. He earned his wings as a naval aviator in 1987.
9. Mark flew 39 combat missions during Operation Desert Storm in 1991.
10. He has logged over 5,000 flight hours in more than 50 different aircraft.
11. Kelly has made over 375 carrier landings.
12. He was selected to attend the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School in 1993.

NASA Career

Mark Kelly's time at NASA is perhaps what he is best known for. His contributions to space exploration are significant.

13. Kelly was selected as an astronaut candidate by NASA in 1996.
14. He completed two years of training and evaluation before being assigned to technical duties.
15. Mark's first spaceflight was as the pilot of STS-108 in 2001.
16. He piloted STS-121 in 2006, a mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
17. Kelly commanded STS-124 in 2008, delivering the Japanese Experiment Module to the ISS.
18. His final spaceflight was as the commander of STS-134 in 2011, the penultimate mission of the Space Shuttle program.
19. Over his career, Kelly spent more than 54 days in space.

Personal Life

Mark Kelly's personal life has been marked by both triumph and tragedy. His resilience and dedication are evident in his personal endeavors.

20. Mark married U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords in 2007.
21. In 2011, Giffords survived an assassination attempt, and Kelly played a crucial role in her recovery.
22. The couple co-authored a memoir titled "Gabby: A Story of Courage and Hope" in 2011.
23. Kelly has two daughters, Claudia and Claire, from a previous marriage.
24. He is an advocate for gun control and co-founded the organization Americans for Responsible Solutions with Giffords.

Political Career

Mark Kelly transitioned from space to politics, continuing his commitment to public service.

25. In 2019, Kelly announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate from Arizona.
26. He ran as a Democrat, focusing on issues like healthcare, climate change, and veterans' affairs.
27. Kelly won the special election in 2020, defeating incumbent Martha McSally.
28. He was sworn in as a U.S. Senator on December 2, 2020.
29. Kelly serves on several Senate committees, including Armed Services, Energy and Natural Resources, and Environment and Public Works.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Mark Kelly has received numerous awards and honors, recognizing his contributions to both the military and space exploration.

30. Kelly received the Defense Superior Service Medal.
31. He was awarded the Legion of Merit.
32. Mark earned the Distinguished Flying Cross.
33. He received the NASA Exceptional Service Medal.
34. Kelly was honored with the NASA Space Flight Medal four times.
35. He was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in 2020.

Fun Facts

Beyond his professional achievements, there are some interesting and lesser-known facts about Mark Kelly.

36. Kelly and his twin brother Scott are the only siblings to have both traveled to space.
37. Mark has a passion for flying and owns a small aircraft.
38. He enjoys scuba diving and has explored various underwater environments.
39. Kelly is an avid reader and enjoys science fiction novels.
40. He has a pet dog named Nelson, who often appears in his social media posts.
41. Mark once appeared on the TV show "The Big Bang Theory" alongside his brother Scott.

Contributions to Science and Technology

Mark Kelly's work has had a lasting impact on science and technology, both in space and on Earth.

42. Kelly participated in the Twins Study, which examined the effects of space travel on the human body by comparing him to his brother Scott.
43. He has advocated for increased funding for NASA and space exploration.
44. Mark supports the development of renewable energy sources and has pushed for advancements in solar and wind technologies.
45. He has spoken at numerous conferences and events about the importance of STEM education.
46. Kelly has worked with various organizations to promote space tourism and commercial spaceflight.
47. He has contributed to research on the psychological effects of long-duration space missions.
48. Mark continues to inspire future generations of scientists, engineers, and astronauts through his public speaking and outreach efforts.

Mark Kelly: A Life of Achievement

Mark Kelly's life is a testament to dedication, courage, and service. From his days as a Navy pilot to his time aboard the International Space Station, Kelly has consistently pushed boundaries. His military service earned him numerous accolades, while his space missions contributed significantly to our understanding of space. Beyond his professional achievements, Kelly's personal life, especially his support for his wife, Gabby Giffords, following her tragic shooting, showcases his resilience and commitment. Now serving as a U.S. Senator, Kelly continues to impact society positively. His journey inspires many, proving that with determination and hard work, one can achieve great things. Whether in the skies, space, or on the ground, Mark Kelly's legacy is one of inspiration and excellence.