Steven R. Nagel, Astronaut, Long-time AE Supporter: In Memoriam

8/25/2014 Susan Mumm, Media Specialist

Long an advocate for Aerospace Engineering at Illinois, astronaut Steven R. Nagel has died.

Written by Susan Mumm, Media Specialist

Astronaut Steven Nagel is seen in the commander's seat aboard the space shuttle Atlantis during STS-37 in April 1991. (NASA)
Astronaut Steven Nagel is seen in the commander's seat aboard the space shuttle Atlantis during STS-37 in April 1991. (NASA)
Astronaut Steven Nagel is seen in the commander's seat aboard the space shuttle Atlantis during STS-37 in April 1991. (NASA)
Retired Col. Steven R. Nagel, a veteran of four Space Shuttle flights and a loyal alumnus of Aerospace Engineering at Illinois, died Thursday, August 21, 2014, after a long battle with cancer. He was 67.

Nagel was dedicated in his support of the Department, and greatly inspired AE’s students and faculty. In addition to serving on the AE Alumni Board for many years, he journeyed to the University of Illinois often to present talks about his career, his 723 hours in space including his Space Shuttle missions, and future directions of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Most recently he was well received by an overflow audience on the Urbana campus in October, when he spoke of his experiences in space and helped introduce fellow astronaut and AE alumnus Michael Hopkins, who chatted live from his location aboard the International Space Station.

In addition to many recognitions from NASA and other organizations, Nagel in 1992 was presented the Alumni Achievement Award, the highest honor the University of Illinois bestows upon its graduates. He also received the 1988 AE Distinguished Alumnus Award, and the 1993 College of Engineering at Illinois Alumni Award for Distinguished Service.

Steve Nagel, speaking with an audience of students, faculty, staff and others at the University of Illinois in October 2013.
Steve Nagel, speaking with an audience of students, faculty, staff and others at the University of Illinois in October 2013.
Steve Nagel, speaking with an audience of students, faculty, staff and others at the University of Illinois in October 2013.

“Steve really loved to interact with students,” said AE Department Head Philippe Geubelle. “Last fall, when I asked him to serve as emcee for the event with Mike Hopkins, Steve immediately agreed to rearrange his schedule, drive up from Columbia, Missouri, to Champaign, and share his experience as a NASA astronaut. His presence made the event a real success.

“I had the chance to attend a few of his presentations over the years: the way he connected to the students was truly remarkable,” Geubelle continued. “As a long-time member of the AE Alumni Board, he gave valuable input on our curriculum and the educational activities of the Department. This is a sad day for AE: we lost a remarkable alumnus and a very loyal friend.”

A native of Canton, Ill., Nagel earned his bachelor’s degree from AE in 1969 and was commissioned the same year through the University of Illinois Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC).

He served the NASA astronaut program from 1979-2011. Nagel had the unique distinction of participating in four space flights aboard four different space shuttles – as mission specialist for STS-51G aboard Discovery in 1985; as pilot for STS-61A aboard Challenger also in 1985; as commander of STS-37 aboard Atlantis in 1991; and as commander of STS-55 aboard Columbia in 1993.

Steve Nagel giving a presentation at the University of Illinois in April 2013.
Steve Nagel giving a presentation at the University of Illinois in April 2013.
Steve Nagel giving a presentation at the University of Illinois in April 2013.
Following the explosion of the Challenger space shuttle in 1986, Nagel represented the Astronaut Office in efforts to develop a crew escape system. According to Space.com, Nagel said, “This was my best time at NASA, actually. Nothing I ever did was more fulfilling than that two years, to be honest, even flying. This was better, because everybody was so focused on getting the shuttle flying again.”

He served many other support roles for the shuttles’ early flights and, upon retirement from the Air Force in 1995, was deputy director for operations development for the Safety Reliability and Quality Assurance Office at the Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Nagel retired from the Air Force in February 1995.  He retired from the Astronaut Office on March 1, 1995, to assume the full-time position of deputy director for operations development, Safety, Reliability, and Quality Assurance Office, Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas.  In September 1996, Nagel transferred to the Aircraft Operations Division where he performed duties as a research pilot, chief of aviation safety and deputy division chief.  He retired from NASA on May 31, 2011.

Steve Nagel with AE Emeritus Prof. Harry Hilton
Steve Nagel with AE Emeritus Prof. Harry Hilton
Steve Nagel with AE Emeritus Prof. Harry Hilton
His career shifted to academics when he became an instructor in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department at the University of Missouri in 2011.
Nagel is survived by his wife, Linda, and two daughters, Lauren and Whitney.

Harry Hilton, AE emeritus professor and former Department Head, became good friends with Nagel throughout his association with AE. “Steve was a tireless supporter of the UIUC Aerospace Engineering Department,” Hilton said. “He was a frequent visitor and campus speaker who inspired AE students to be devoted to their profession.”
 


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This story was published August 25, 2014.