David M. Brown

STS-107 Flight Insignia

US Navy 030312-N-2147L-001 U.S. Navy Capt. David M. Brown, NASA Astronaut laid to rest

David M. Brown Planetarium, Arlington, Virginia

David M. Brown (April 16, 1956 – February 1, 2003) was an American astronaut, naval aviator, and physician. Born in Arlington, Virginia, Brown pursued a career in medicine before joining the United States Navy, where he became a pilot. Later, he was selected by NASA as an astronaut candidate and flew on STS-107, the ill-fated final flight of the Space Shuttle Columbia.

Early Life and Education

David M. Brown was born in Arlington, Virginia. He showed an early interest in science and aviation, participating in high school clubs that reflected his passions. Brown attended the College of William & Mary, where he earned a degree in biology. Following his undergraduate education, he pursued a medical degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School.

Career

Medicine

After completing his medical degree, Brown worked as a clinical emergency physician at the Medical Center Hospital of Vermont. His dedication to medicine and his patients was evident from the start of his career. Brown's interest in flight and space never waned, however, and he soon sought to combine his medical expertise with his passion for aviation.

Naval Aviation

Brown joined the United States Navy, where he underwent rigorous training to become a naval aviator. He excelled in his training and served as a mission commander in high-performance aircraft, logging over 2,700 flight hours in more than 25 different aircraft. His skills as a pilot were complemented by his medical background, making him a unique asset to the Navy.

NASA Career

In 1996, Brown was selected by NASA as an astronaut candidate. After completing two years of training and evaluation, he was qualified for flight assignment as a mission specialist. Brown was assigned to STS-107, a 16-day mission aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia focused on science and research.

STS-107 Mission

The STS-107 mission, launched on January 16, 2003, was dedicated to a variety of scientific experiments, ranging from material science to biology. Brown and his six crewmates worked 24 hours a day, in two alternating shifts, to complete over 80 experiments. The mission was considered a success in terms of its scientific objectives.

Death

On February 1, 2003, during re-entry into Earth's atmosphere, the Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated over Texas, leading to the death of all seven crew members, including David M. Brown. The tragedy was a result of damage to the shuttle's thermal protection system caused by a piece of foam insulation that broke off from the external fuel tank during launch. Brown's death was mourned by the nation, and he was posthumously awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor.

Legacy

David M. Brown's legacy is remembered through various memorials and scholarships established in his name. His life and career serve as an inspiration to those who seek to explore the unknown, whether it be in space, in the air, or through the practice of medicine. Brown's story is a testament to the human spirit's quest for discovery and the pursuit of excellence in multiple disciplines.