65: NASA Astronaut Matthew Dominick
Beth sits down with NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick last week at NASA’s Johnson Space Center to discuss his work as an Artemis Generation astronaut. At the time of his selection as an Astronaut Candidate in June 2017, Matt was at sea on the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) serving as a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy, a Naval Aviator, and a department head for Strike Fighter Squadron 115.
He has accumulated more than 1,600 flight hours in 28 aircraft models, 400 carrier arrestments, 61 combat missions, and nearly 200 flight test carrier landings (arrested and touch-and-go). Yep, it’s impressive.
And the conversation Matt and Beth share is just as impressive! Listen to hear highlights that include:
Where Matt was and what he was doing when he “got the call” to welcome him to the NASA astronaut corp (Once Matt found out he was selected as an astronaut, Matt called someone incredibly special from the ship and asked her not to tell a soul! Listen to find out who)
What cultural impression stayed with Matthew after living in Japan
Matt’s used to living in many places, but the BUGS of Texas have their own story…
How exploring space is like exploring the south pole…
Matt’s thoughts regarding the NASA Administrator’s goal to return to the Moon in 2024
This is a unique time at NASA-For the first time in more than four years, NASA began accepting applications Monday for future astronauts. Aspiring Moon to Mars explorers have until 11:59 p.m. EDT Tuesday, March 31, to apply. The call for more astronauts comes at a time when the agency is preparing to send the first woman and next man to the Moon with the Artemis program. Exploring the Moon during this decade will help prepare humanity for its next giant leap – sending astronauts to Mars. U.S. citizens may submit applications to #BeAnAstronaut at: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/561186900
About Becoming a NASA Astronaut:
https://www.nasa.gov/feature/an-astronaut-s-guide-to-applying-to-be-an-astronaut
https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/news/2015/11/4/so-you-want-to-be-an-astronaut/
About Matthew:
Summary: Matthew Dominick was selected by NASA to join the 2017 Astronaut Candidate Class. He reported for duty in August 2017 and having completed the initial astronaut candidate training is now eligible for a mission assignment.
The Colorado native earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of San Diego and a Master of Science degree in in Systems Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School. He graduated from U.S. Naval Test Pilot School. He has more than 1,600 hours of flight time in 28 aircraft, 400 carrier-arrested landings, and 61 combat missions.
Personal Data: Dominick was born and raised in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. He is married to Faith Dominick, and the couple has two daughters. His parents, Donald and Rhonda Dominick, still live in Wheat Ridge.
Education: Graduated from D’Evelyn Junior/Senior High School in Golden, Colorado. Earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of San Diego with minors in Physics and Mathematics. Earned a Master of Science in Systems Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. Graduated from the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School in Patuxent River, Maryland.
Experience: Dominick was commissioned through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) following graduation from the University of San Diego in 2005 and reported to Pensacola, Florida, for flight training. He was designated as a Naval Aviator in 2007 and reported to Strike Fighter Squadron 106, Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, for transition to the F/A-18E Super Hornet. Following his initial training, Dominick was assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 143. He made two deployments to the North Arabian Sea, flying close air support missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. While with Strike Fighter Squadron 143, Dominick was selected to attend the Naval Postgraduate School / U.S. Naval Test Pilot School Co-Operative Program, where he earned a Master of Science in Systems Engineering from the Naval Post Graduate School and graduated from the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School.
Designated a developmental test pilot in 2013, Dominick was assigned to the fixed-wing carrier suitability flight test department of Air Test Evaluation Squadron 23. There he served as developmental flight test project officer for a variety of carrier suitability test programs, including MAGIC CARPET, Joint Precision Approach & Landing Systems, Infrared Search and Track Pod, and the precision approach and landing certification of aircraft carriers. He flew developmental flight tests in the F/A-18ABCD, F/A-18E/F, and EA-18G. Additionally, he contributed to X-47B, Unmanned Carrier Launched Surveillance and Strike, V-22, T-45, E-2C, C-2A, and F-35C test programs.
In 2016, Dominick returned to an operational naval squadron, Strike Fighter Squadron 115, flying F/A-18E Super Hornets in the Forward Deployed Naval Forces stationed in Atsugi, Japan. At the time of his selection as an Astronaut Candidate in June 2017, Dominick was at sea on the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) serving as a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy, a Naval Aviator, and a department head for Strike Fighter Squadron 115. He has accumulated more than 1,600 flight hours in 28 aircraft models, 400 carrier arrestments, 61 combat missions, and nearly 200 flight test carrier landings (arrested and touch-and-go).
NASA Experience: Dominick reported for duty in August 2017 and completed two years of training as an Astronaut Candidate. He is currently awaiting a flight assignment.
Awards/Honors: 2015 Naval Test Wing Atlantic Test Pilot of the Year; Member of the 2015 Department of the Navy Test Team of the Year; Strike Flight Air Medal (three awards); Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medal; and Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards)
Organizations: Society of Experimental Test Pilots Society of Flight Test Engineers and Tailhook Association.
WHERE TO LISTEN
