WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — A Purdue University alumnus is one of nine astronaut candidates selected by NASA this year out of more than 3,500 applicants, the space agency announced.
Purdue University alumnus Scott D. Tingle is one of nine astronaut candidates selected by NASA this year out of more than 3,500 applicants. (Photo courtesy of NASA)
Scott D. Tingle, 43, of Hollywood, Md., will begin training in August at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. The training takes about two years to complete, said NASA spokesperson Nicole Cloutier-Lemasters.
Tingle earned a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue in 1988 with a specialty in fluid mechanics and propulsion. He is a commander in the U.S. Navy and will become the 23rd Purdue graduate to become an astronaut if he completes the training.
Tingle has accumulated more than 3,100 flight hours in 53 types of aircraft, including combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. His decorations include a Meritorious Service Medal, three Air Medals, six Navy Commendation Medals to include a Combat V, four Navy Achievement Medals and various unit commendations.
He and his wife, Raynette, have three children, Amy, Sean and Eric.
A NASA news release announcing the new crop of astronaut candidates is online at http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/ascans2009.html
