Megan McArthur, Pioneering NASA Astronaut and First Female SpaceX Dragon Pilot, Retires After Two Decades of Space Exploration

NASA astronaut Megan McArthur has retired, as announced by NASA.gov, concluding a career that spanned more than two decades. Celebrated as the first woman to pilot a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, McArthur logged 213 days in orbit across two missions and made lasting contributions to human spaceflight. Among her many achievements, she was the final astronaut to operate the Hubble Space Telescope with the space shuttle’s robotic arm, a testament to her exceptional technical expertise and leadership in advancing space exploration.Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, and raised as a "Navy kid", Megan McArthur developed an early fascination with science and exploration. She pursued a Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering at the University of California, Los Angeles, before earning a doctorate in oceanography from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego. Her strong academic foundation in both engineering and Earth sciences provided a unique perspective that would later inform her approach to space missions and research.McArthur first ventured into space in 2009 as a mission specialist on the final servicing mission to the Hubble Space Telescope, STS-125, aboard the space shuttle Atlantis. During this mission, she played a crucial role in five spacewalks to repair and upgrade Hubble, ensuring that the telescope could continue its groundbreaking observations after nearly two decades in orbit. Her work not only required technical precision but also showcased her ability to operate under extreme conditions in the vacuum of space.Her second spaceflight came in April 2021 when she served as the pilot of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-2 mission. This marked her first long-duration stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and allowed her to serve as a flight engineer for Expeditions 65 and 66. During the 200-day mission, McArthur conducted a wide range of scientific experiments, spanning human health studies, materials science, and robotics. These investigations were designed to support NASA’s Artemis program and prepare for future crewed missions to the Moon and Mars.Beyond her missions, McArthur has held several key leadership and technical roles at NASA. In 2017, she became the assistant director of flight operations for the ISS Program, overseeing daily spaceflight operations and supporting astronaut teams. By 2019, she was appointed deputy division chief of the Astronaut Office, where she contributed to astronaut training, development, and mission planning. In 2022, she became the chief science officer at Space Center Houston, NASA Johnson’s official visitor center, further demonstrating her commitment to science communication and public engagement.Megan McArthur is married to former NASA astronaut Robert Behnken, who retired in 2022 after accumulating over 708 hours in space. Behnken flew aboard SpaceX Dragon 2 in 2020 as part of the spacecraft’s first crewed mission. The couple has a son, and together, they have become one of NASA’s most recognised astronaut families, inspiring future generations of space explorers.Throughout her career, McArthur has exemplified the qualities of a modern astronaut: intelligence, precision, and dedication to advancing human understanding of space. Her work on Hubble and the ISS has directly contributed to scientific discovery, while her role in piloting the SpaceX Dragon marked a historic milestone for women in aerospace. By combining technical expertise with leadership and outreach, McArthur has helped shape the future of human space exploration and inspired countless aspiring scientists and astronauts.Megan McArthur’s achievements extend beyond her time in space. Her efforts in scientific research, mission leadership, and public education have set a high standard for astronaut performance and advocacy. She remains a role model for women in STEM fields, highlighting the importance of persistence, skill, and innovation. As she steps away from active service, her legacy continues to influence NASA missions, space research, and educational programs worldwide.From her first spacewalk repairing Hubble to commanding the SpaceX Dragon on the ISS, Megan McArthur has made an indelible mark on human spaceflight. Her career demonstrates how dedication, expertise, and vision can push the boundaries of exploration. As she retires after 20 years at NASA, McArthur leaves behind a legacy of scientific achievement, historic milestones, and inspiration for future generations of explorers.Also Read: Ancient 24-foot ‘sea dragon’ Jormungander: Terrifying mosasaur that ruled oceans 80 million years ago