NASA has provided a portrait of astronaut Thomas K. Mattingly II. Photo courtesy of NASA.
On October 31, 2023, the esteemed former astronaut of NASA and retired Rear Admiral of the United States Navy, Thomas Kenneth Mattingly II, aged 87, passed away. Fondly referred to as TK, Mattingly is remembered for his valiant service in the U.S. space program and his prominent involvement in the celebrated Apollo expeditions.
Mattingly was born on March 17, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois, and from a young age, he exhibited an intense interest in aviation and space exploration. After earning his naval aviator wings in 1960, Mattingly’s excellence in the U.S. Navy was recognized, paving his way to NASA in the 1966 astronaut cohort.
His impressive career spanned various pivotal roles in the Apollo program. Before ascending to space, he diligently worked on the development of the Apollo spacesuit and backpack. As the command module pilot for Apollo 16, Mattingly’s expertise and determination were crucial to the mission’s success. His leadership abilities were further demonstrated as the commander of the space shuttle missions STS-4 and STS 51-C, reflecting his adaptability and command.
In a NASA photo, Astronaut Thomas K. Mattingly II (prominently in the foreground), serving as the Apollo 16 lunar mission’s command module pilot, is seen participating in extravehicular activity (EVA) training at the Manned Spacecraft Center (MSC).
One of Mattingly’s most notable contributions occurred during the Apollo 13 mission. Despite being grounded due to rubella exposure, Mattingly played a pivotal role in ensuring the safe return of his fellow astronauts, highlighting his unwavering commitment to the mission and his team.
Mattingly’s influence reached beyond his technical achievements. His eloquence and reflective nature provided insight into the astronautical experience. He expressed his deep-seated impression of the universe, fearing that the enormity of his experiences in space might be too overwhelming to fully retain.
Seen in NASA imagery, astronauts Thomas K. Mattingly II (to the left) and Henry W. Hartsfield Jr., commander and pilot of STS-4, respectively, are captured during a training session in the Shuttle Mission Simulator (SMS) at Johnson Space Center’s Mission Simulations and Training Facility.
His commendations, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the NASA Distinguished Service Medal among other honors, bear witness to his extraordinary contributions. Mattingly was more than an astronaut; he was a pioneer, pushing the boundaries of the unknown for the advancement of all.
Survived by his family, who supported his exploration passions, Mattingly’s legacy is set to fuel the aspirations of forthcoming space explorers, as they gaze at the stars and envisage the endless opportunities.
In remembrance of such an outstanding figure, we not only grieve his departure but also honor the exceptional journey of his life that embodied the essence of discovery and relentless pursuit of expanding human potential. To the cosmos, Rear Adm. Thomas K. Mattingly II, may your final voyage be as extraordinary as those you navigated among the stars.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson has issued the following statement on the demise of former NASA astronaut Rear Adm. (ret.) Thomas K. (TK) Mattingly II:
“With the passing of TK Mattingly on October 31, we have lost a national treasure. Mattingly was instrumental in the Apollo Program’s triumph, and his effervescent spirit will secure his place in the annals of history.
“His naval career commenced with an accolade in 1960 when he was awarded his wings, flying numerous aircraft across various assignments. After enrolling at the Air Force Aerospace Research Pilot School, NASA selected him for the astronaut class of 1966. His contributions were pivotal before his space voyages as he worked on the Apollo support crew and spearheaded the development of the spacesuit and backpack used in the Apollo missions.
“His exceptional piloting skills were crucial when he served as the command module pilot for Apollo 16 and later as the spacecraft commander for the STS-4 and STS 51-C space shuttle missions. TK’s dedication to innovation and his resilience in the face of challenges exemplified the spirit of our mission and the esteem of our nation.
“One of his most critical roles was during the Apollo 13 mission after a rubella exposure. Though he could not fly, he remained integral in making decisive, real-time decisions that led to the safe return of the Apollo 13 crew – astronauts James Lovell, Jack Swigert, and Fred Haise.
“TK’s legacy extends beyond space exploration. He once reflected on his orbital experience, saying that the vastness of the universe appeared as an infinite space of potential. As a frontrunner in space exploration, TK’s bravery in confronting the unknown will be remembered for its significant impact on our nation’s future.”
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Thomas K. Mattingly II
Who was Thomas K. Mattingly II?
Thomas K. Mattingly II was a retired United States Navy Rear Admiral and a NASA astronaut known for his contributions to the U.S. space program, particularly the Apollo missions. He was the command module pilot for the Apollo 16 mission and later became the spacecraft commander for two Space Shuttle missions.
What was Thomas K. Mattingly II’s role in the Apollo 13 mission?
Although Thomas K. Mattingly II was originally scheduled to fly on Apollo 13, he was grounded due to exposure to rubella. Nonetheless, he played a critical role in the mission’s crisis by supporting the team that made key decisions for the safe return of his fellow astronauts.
What are some of Thomas K. Mattingly II’s achievements in his NASA career?
Throughout his career, Thomas K. Mattingly II was involved in the development of the Apollo spacesuit and backpack and served as command module pilot for Apollo 16. He also commanded two Space Shuttle missions, STS-4 and STS 51-C, and received numerous honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the NASA Distinguished Service Medal.
What did Thomas K. Mattingly II say about his experience in space?
Thomas K. Mattingly II shared his profound experience in space by saying that the enormity of what he saw was overwhelming, and he had a palpable fear that trying to remember too much would be impossible because it was so impressive.
When did Thomas K. Mattingly II pass away?
Thomas K. Mattingly II passed away on October 31, 2023, at the age of 87.
How will Thomas K. Mattingly II be remembered?
Thomas K. Mattingly II will be remembered as a pioneering astronaut who braved the unknown and contributed significantly to the success of the Apollo program and the field of space exploration. His work has inspired and will continue to inspire future generations of explorers.
More about Thomas K. Mattingly II
- NASA Astronaut Bio: Thomas K. Mattingly II
- Apollo 16 Overview
- Space Shuttle Mission Archives
- Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipients
- NASA History: Apollo 13 Mission
5 comments
His words about the vastness of space always get to me, ‘if I saw too much, I couldn’t remember’ wow that’s what it must feel like to be on the frontier of the unknown, must’ve been something else to see the earth from that far away
a true american hero gone but never forgotten rip admiral mattingly. his leadership and bravery during apollo 13 showed what NASA and its astronauts are made of
Sad news, but what a legacy he leaves behind! he was like a real life hero straight out of the movies except everything he did was for real
really a touching tribute to an amazing man, we’ve lost a true pioneer in space exploration. his contributions were not just about going to space but also about bringing back that knowledge for all of us
can’t believe TK is gone, his work on the apollo suits was groundbreaking. that kind of innovation changes the world, I remember writing a school report about him once…