Duane G. Carey

Date of Birth: April 30, 1957

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Biography

Duane G. “Digger” Carey is a retired United States Air Force officer and former NASA astronaut. Born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Carey graduated from Highland Park High School in 1975 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics from the University of Minnesota in 1981. He further pursued a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the same institution in 1982. Carey was selected by NASA in 1996 as an astronaut candidate and flew as the pilot of STS-109, the fourth Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission, in 2002. During this mission, the crew successfully upgraded and repaired the Hubble Space Telescope, significantly extending its operational life. After his career with NASA, Carey became involved in various educational outreach programs, inspiring the next generation of engineers and scientists.

5 Interesting Facts about Duane G. Carey

1. Duane Carey logged over 5.5 million miles and orbited the Earth 165 times during his STS-109 mission.

2. Prior to joining NASA, Carey was an experienced combat pilot, having flown the F-16 in the United States Air Force.

3. He earned the call sign “Digger” during his Air Force career.

4. Carey was an instructor pilot and experimental test pilot, contributing significantly to the development and testing of new aircraft.

5. Post-retirement, he has been an advocate for science education, frequently speaking at schools and universities.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Duane G. Carey

1. “The view from space is a humbling reminder of the fragility and unity of our planet.”

2. “Being an astronaut isn’t just about the mission; it’s about inspiring others to reach for the stars.”

3. “Teamwork is essential in space; every role is crucial to the mission’s success.”

4. “The Hubble Space Telescope has opened our eyes to the universe in ways we could never have imagined.”

5. “Education is the key to unlocking the future. Every child deserves the opportunity to dream big.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Duane Carey’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million, primarily from his salary and benefits as a NASA astronaut and Air Force officer.