Francis G. Neubeck
| Francis G. Neubeck | |
|---|---|
 | |
| USAF Astronaut | |
| Nationality | American |
| Status | Retired |
| Born |
April 11, 1932 Washington, D.C., U.S. |
Other occupation | Test pilot |
|
USNA, B.S. 1955 AU, MBA 1972 | |
| Selection | 1965 USAF MOL Group 1 |
| Missions | None |
Francis Gregory Neubeck (born April 11, 1932) is a retired Colonel in the United States Air Force and a former USAF astronaut. Although he trained for the USAF Manned Orbital Laboratory (MOL), the program was cancelled before any of the MOL crews reached space.[1]
Neubeck was born April 11, 1932, in Washington, D.C., and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1955 from the United States Naval Academy. Although a USNA graduate, he chose to begin his career in the United States Air Force. In 1972, he earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Auburn University in Alabama.[2]
At the start of his USAF career, Neubeck worked on the development of weapons systems and as a flight instructor.[3] He graduated from the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School in class 60C, Aerospace Research Pilot School (ARPS) Class III, and MOL.[4] In 1965, he was selected as one of the first astronauts to the Air Force's classified Manned Orbital Laboratory.[5] The goal of the MOL program, canceled in 1969 before sending any astronauts into space, was to man a space station with military astronauts using a modified Gemini spacecraft.[6] The history of the MOL program was presented in the Public Television series NOVA episode called Astrospies which aired February 12, 2008.[7]
After the MOL program cancellation, Neubeck continued his USAF career including a combat tour in south-east Asia.[3] He also served as vice commander at the Tactical Air Warfare Center at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida before retiring from the Air Force in 1986.[2] Neubeck worked in the aerospace industry, became an author, and ran for public office.[3] In 1986, he became the Republican nominee for the U.S. House of Representatives from Florida's first congressional district but was not elected. As of 2007, Neubeck resides in Florida.[2]
References
- ↑ "Space and Missile Systems Center History" (PDF). USAF. 2006-09-12. pp. 60–62. Retrieved 2008-10-11.
- 1 2 3 "Astrospies Neubeck biography". NOVA. PBS. December 2007. Retrieved 2008-10-11.
- 1 2 3 Shayler, David J. (2001). Gemini: Steps to the Moon. Springer Press. p. 418. ISBN 9781852334055. Retrieved 2008-10-11.
- ↑ USAF Test Pilot School 50 Years and Beyond. Privately Published. 1994. p. 247.
- ↑ "Secret Astronauts". NOVA. PBS. December 2007. Retrieved 2008-10-11.
- ↑ Nutter, Ashley (2008-06-02). "Suits for Space Spies". NASA. Retrieved 2008-10-10.
- ↑ "Astrospies". NOVA. PBS. December 2007. Retrieved 2008-10-10.
External links
- "Francis Neubeck biography". Spacefacts. Retrieved 2008-10-11.
- "Florida: U.S. Representatives, 1980s". The Political Graveyard. Retrieved 2008-10-11.